Steve Donohue, current director of buying and merchandising for Woolworths Supermarkets, has today been announced as the new managing director of Endeavour Drinks, effective from April this year.

Endeavour Drinks includes retail liquor brands, Dan Murphy’s and BWS, as well as Cellarmasters, Langton’s and Pinnacle Drinks.

Donohue will replace current Endeavour Drinks MD Martin Smith, who will retire at the end of the financial year.

He will rejoin Woolies’ drinks team after spending the last five years “rebuilding the buying and merchandising capabilities”, first with Countdown in New Zealand and more recently in his role with Woolworths Supermarkets in Australia.

“He’s been instrumental in delivering our Woolworths Supermarkets pricing and range strategy as well as transforming our supplier engagement program,” commented Brad Banducci, Woolworths Group CEO.

Donohue has held a broad range of roles within the Woolworths Group drinks business, starting as a store manager in Dan Murphy’s at 19 years of age before progressing into senior buying, merchandising and marketing roles in Dan Murphy’s, BWS and the broader drinks business.

Smith will remain with Endeavour Drinks until 30th June, working with Steve Donohue as he transitions into his new role.

Endeavour Drinks sales increased by 3.8 per cent to $2.04 billion, while comparable store growth was 3.3 per cent, underpinned by a strong performance at BWS, in Woolies latest trading update.

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