7-Eleven Australia has narrowed its search for a new CEO, with a new chief expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
Chairman Michael Smith told C&I Week the company was still in the recruitment process but had shortlisted candidates to six, which also includes international talent. The new CEO will takeover from interim CEO, Bob Baily.
Baily took over the convenience chain following the resignation of Warren Wilmot last year. Wilmot resigned from his position and from the 7-Eleven board in September last year, along with chairman Russ Withers, one month after an investigation by Fairfax and Four Corners uncovered wage fraud throughout the 600-store franchise.
Smith, who had been deputy chair of the franchise since August 2014, was appointed chairman, following Withers’ departure.
“We’re leaving a lot of the new structuring open to the new CEO since that person will be here relatively soon,” Smith said.
“Clearly with the loss of significant executives you lose experience and talent but that’s a normal part of corporate life, but with executive turnover there’s always the opportunity for new ideas and new blood.”