Investor and Media Centre

JoAnne Stephenson

Chairman

• Member of the Board since 28 November 2016
• Acting Chairman from 29 October 2020 to 15 September 2021
• Member – Audit, Finance and Risk Committee
• Member – Human Resources and Remuneration Committee
• Chairman – Nomination Committee

JoAnne has extensive experience spanning over 25 years across a range of industries. JoAnne was previously a senior client partner in the Advisory division at KPMG and has key strengths in finance, accounting, risk management and governance. JoAnne holds a Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Laws (Honours) from The University of Queensland. She is also a member of both the Australian Institute of Company Directors and Chartered Accountants in Australia and New Zealand. JoAnne resides in Victoria.

Other current directorships
JoAnne is an Independent Non-Executive Director of Challenger Limited and Japara Healthcare Limited. She is also Chair of the Victorian Major Transport Infrastructure Board. JoAnne was previously a director of Asaleo Care Ltd.

John King

Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director

• Member of the Board since 4 June 2018

John was appointed CEO & Managing Director on 4 June 2018. In this role, John has overall accountability for Myer strategy and performance. John brings to the role more than 30 years’ retail experience in merchandising and management roles across a variety of retail sectors, including department stores, value retail and wholesale apparel.

John started his career at Sainsbury’s and also worked for Marks & Spencer before taking senior roles in the manufacturing and wholesale sector in the UK and the USA. John successfully led Matalan from 2003 to 2006, an apparel and housewares retailer based in the UK. In this role, John launched new brands, opened 20 new stores and successfully sold the company back to the founder. More recently, John led the successful turnaround of House of Fraser from 2006 to 2015. During his tenure he improved the product differentiation, decreased debt, improved EBITDA and repositioned the business as one of the leading premium department stores in the UK. John resides in Victoria.

Dave Whittle

Independent Non-Executive Director

• Member of the Board since 30 November 2015
• Chairman – Audit, Finance and Risk Committee
• Member – Human Resources and Remuneration Committee
• Member – Nomination Committee

Dave has considerable brand, data, technology, omni-channel retail and digital transformation experience. Over the last six years Dave has led Lexer, a global software company helping brands and retailers genuinely understand and engage their customers. Previously, Dave spent 10 years with global advertising group M&C Saatchi in a number of local and international leadership roles, culminating in three years as Managing Director in Australia. Prior to joining M&C Saatchi, Dave was the first employee of a marketing services group that built four digital service and software businesses. Dave has a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Commerce from Deakin University. Dave resides in New South Wales.

Other current directorships
Dave is a director of Lexer Pty Ltd.

Jacquie Naylor

Independent Non-Executive Director

• Member of the Board since 27 May 2019
• Member – Audit, Finance and Risk Committee
• Chairman – Human Resources and Remuneration Committee
• Member – Nomination Committee

Jacquie was appointed as a Non-Executive Director on 27 May 2019. Jacquie brings to the role a wealth of experience and knowledge of both women’s and men’s apparel, homewares and outdoor brands. Jacquie has had extensive experience in strategic planning, logistics, marketing, and eCommerce together with corporate restructuring and global business expertise.

She has been an owner, director and executive at some of the most iconic Australian retailers, as well as advising well-known brands including Apparel Group, Blue Illusion, and Bras n Things. Jacquie was also a Non-Executive Director of The PAS Group and one of the world’s most trusted outdoor brands, Macpac, which is sold in more than thirty countries.

At the Just Jeans Group, Jacquie was a Group Executive Director and responsible for driving the merchandise, marketing and brand strategies of five of their key brands including Just Jeans, Jay Jays, Portmans, Jacqui E and Dotti. And, more recently, Jacquie holds the position of Non-Executive Director at Michael Hill International, a multichannel retail jewellery chain operating across Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.

Jacquie brings to the Myer Board considerable eCommerce experience from her retail career and as a strategic adviser at Practicology, a digital marketing and eCommerce agency.

Jacquie was a Non-Executive Director of the Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival for more than 12 years and remains committed to showcasing the fashion industry as well as new and emerging talent. Jacquie is also a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and of the International Women’s Forum, which mentors women in business. Jacquie resides in Victoria.

Other current directorships
Jacquie is a Non-Executive Director of Cambridge Clothing Ltd and Michael Hill International Ltd.

Ari Mervis

Independent Non-Executive Director

• Member of the Board since 20 September 2021
• Member – Audit, Finance and Risk Committee
• Member – Nomination Committee

Ari has broad global experience spanning a range of industries in branded goods, consumer staples, agriculture, food and beverages. Ari’s career includes more than 25 years with global brewer SABMiller plc, including nearly 10 years as Managing Director of the Asia Pacific region. In this role, Ari was Chairman of China Resources Snow Breweries, a joint venture between China Resources Enterprises and SABMiller for 8 years, and Chairman of SAB India and SAB Vietnam. He was also responsible for the acquisition and integration of Carlton and United Breweries by SABMiller.

More recently, Ari was the Executive Chairman of Accolade Wines in 2018 to 2020, and Managing Director and CEO of Murray Goulburn in 2017 to 2018.

Ari brings a wealth of experience in formulating and executing strategies that help drive top line growth in a sustainable and responsible manner. Aris has a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Witwatersrand. Ari resides in Victoria.

Other current directorships
Ari is a Non-Executive Director and Chairman of McPherson’s Limited