Former Supre and Sportsgirl chief Elle Roseby has been hired to steer the ship at Country Road after South-African parent Woolworths Holdings lost a second executive from its Australian business in as many weeks.

Country Road managing director Darren Todd has left the business after three years, a company spokesperson confirmed on Wednesday.

It comes only a week after a management shake-up at the highest levels of Woolworths Holdings’ Australian business claimed the job of Todd’s former boss John Dixon, who oversaw the South-African giant’s David Jones and Country Road Group businesses.

No reason was provided for Todd’s exit, but it is understood Roseby will start in mid-July, answering to Country Road Group chief Scott Fyfe, who also oversees the Witchery, Mimco and Politix brands.

Under the management shake-up unveiled last week Fyfe and DJs boss David Thomas now report directly to Woolworths Holdings chief executive Ian Moir in South Africa.

Roseby will join Country Road after four and a half years as general manager at Cotton On Group’s Supre business, where she oversaw a digitally led transformation plan.

Before that she was the chief executive of Sussan Group owned Sportsgirl for 16 years, opening one of the country’s first online fashion stores.

A Country Road Group spokesperson said Roseby will be responsible for further transforming Country Road’s offering.

“[Roseby] is an exceptional retailer and will be joining the business as managing director of Country Road as we further transform and develop the iconic Country Road offering,” the spokesperson said.

Country Road Group was the stronger of Woolworths Holdings’ two Australian businesses in the first-half, posting a 15.7 per cent increase in operating profits to $59 million.

Sales were up 5.2 per cent following the acquisition of Politix, but comparable declined by 1 per cent.

In comparison, David Jones booked a 37.7 per cent decline in operating profits to $66 million, while comparable sales were down 3.3 per cent.