The Warehouse Group (TWG) has announced the appointment of Mark Stirton as its new Group Chief Executive Officer, effective August 1. The decision comes after a year-long search following the sudden departure of former CEO Nick Grayston in May 2024.
Stirton, who has served as TWG’s Chief Financial Officer since April last year, steps into the role at a critical time for the company. Over the past 12 months, he has played a pivotal role alongside interim CEO John Journee in steering the business through strategic changes aimed at revitalising performance.
TWG Chair Dame Joan Withers described Stirton as “the ideal leader to accelerate the improvement programme that we have underway,” citing his deep understanding of the company, technological literacy, and proven ability to deliver on strategy.
Stirton brings a strong retail and financial pedigree to the position. Before joining TWG, he served as CFO of South Africa’s Mr Price Group, a major retailer operating over 3,000 stores. He also holds Chartered Accountancy credentials and an MBA in business transformation from the University of Barcelona.
Speaking on his appointment, Stirton said it was a privilege to lead “one of New Zealand’s most iconic businesses” and stressed the need to build on recent progress. “I am committed to driving innovation, operational excellence, and enhancing our customers’ experience of our brands and products,” he said.
The leadership transition comes amid mixed financial results for TWG. Earlier this month, the company reported a $52.2 million net loss after tax, despite a 2.2% lift in third-quarter sales. Stirton’s appointment is seen as a bid to turn the tide through modernisation and efficiency gains.
Journee, who will remain interim CEO until the end of July, will return to TWG’s board as a non-independent director. The company also confirmed that the search for a new Group CFO will begin immediately.