Aussie supermarket chain Coles expands Kate Bailey’s role

Kate Bailey steps into the position of general manager for brand, digital, and media at Coles, in a newly consolidated position after taking over the duties left behind by previous GM of brand, digital and design at Coles, Sam McLeod after her departure from Coles in 2022.  

With the Chief Marketing Officer position being empty for more than six months, Bailey’s expanded job signals a change in Coles’ marketing approach, shifting from her previous position as general manager for media, sponsorships, and events. 

Bailey is well-respected within the Coles business, having been with the retailer for 12 years, initially joining as customer insights manager, after a move from the UK where she was in the supermarket chain, Sainsbury’s marketing team. 

The new GM for brand, digital and media at Coles, now reports to current Chief Executive, Commercial & Express, Leah Weckert.  

Weckert is set to assume the role of CEO at Coles on the first of May 2023.  

According to industry sources, Coles’ executive team reevaluated its hunt for a successor to Ronson as a result of McLeod’s departure after Ronson. 

The Australian Supermarket Chain has yet to provide a comment on the new appointments.