Woolworths appoints new supply chain chief and MD Primary Connect

Woolworths Group has appointed Annette Karantoni as its Chief Supply Chain Officer and Managing Director of its supply chain arm Primary Connect.

Currently Woolworths’ Director of B2C eCommerce, Karantoni will formally transition to the new role in February 2022 and also join the Woolworths Group Exco.

Brad Banducci, CEO of Woolworths Group, said they are delighted to appoint Karantoni to what is an important leadership role in their business.

“Annette has done an outstanding job rapidly expanding our eCommerce business to meet the surge in demand we’ve seen for online shopping over the past 18 months,” Banducci said.

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“As we continue to expand our retail ecosystem, our supply chain network will be critical to both the foundations and future aspirations of our business,” he said.

“Our distribution centres are an essential link in the nation’s food and grocery supply chains and we’re continuing to invest in our network to improve range, service levels and resilience,” he added.

He continued that Karantoni will be joining a very strong team at Primary Connect, who have demonstrated safety and service leadership throughout the pandemic.

“I look forward to seeing them build our next generation supply chain in the years ahead,” Banducci said.

Karantoni has spent the last 20 years working in a wide range of roles across Woolworths Group. Most recently, she has been the Director of B2C eCommerce, where she oversees the significant acceleration in eCommerce demand over the last 18 months.

Prior to working in eCommerce, she has led the development and investment roadmap for the Woolworths supply chain network of the future.

Karantoni has also held senior roles in supermarkets buying, marketing and replenishment.

Woolworths Group’s current Acting Chief Supply Chain Officer, Chris Brooks, will remain in the role until February 2022.

WooliesX Managing Director, Amanda Bardwell will continue to maintain overall responsibility for Australian Food eCommerce.

Source: Woolworths