Sam Ngumeni , the CEO of Woolworths grocery division will replace Roy Bagattini as head of Woolworths Group in June.
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Woolworths Group has announced a significant leadership transition with Sam Ngumeni, the current CEO of Woolworths' grocery division, set to replace Roy Bagattini as CEO of the overall group in June 2026.
Bagattini's departure marks the end of an era in which he guided the South African retailer through turbulent times while achieving notable financial improvements.
The news comes on the heels of Woolworths reporting a remarkable growth in its interim headline earnings, which rose to 167.4 cents per share for the 26 weeks ending December 28, 2025. This growth was attributed to a strong festive season push, underlined by improved sales in the apparel and food divisions, allowing the company to build solid strategic momentum.
In a statement, the Board expressed confidence that the time was now ripe for a transition in leadership, as Bagattini prepares to step back from his role at the end of September.
“Following significant progress in the strategic repositioning of WHL, and given Bagattini’s pending retirement, the board believe that now is the optimal time to transition leadership as Woolworths builds on its strengthened foundations and growth prospects,” the statement read.
Bagattini, who took on the role of Group CEO in February 2020, will officially step down as Group CEO and executive director at the end of May. He will remain with the company until September to ensure a seamless transition.
“Leading Woolworths has been one of the great privileges of my career. We have an exceptional team, and I am proud of what we have been able to accomplish together. I leave confident that Woolworths is well placed for the future,” he remarked.
Ngumeni’s promotion comes as no surprise, given his longstanding tenure at Woolworths, spanning nearly three decades. He has been instrumental in driving the performance of Woolworths Food since his appointment as CEO of the division in July 2024. Under his leadership, the grocery segment has not only continued to thrive but has also excelled in the competitive retail landscape.
His previous role as Group COO allowed him to oversee critical functions across South Africa and other markets, strengthening the company’s operational capabilities.
Woolworths' chairman, Clive Thomson, remarked on Ngumeni’s extensive experience, stating, “His deep institutional knowledge, commercial acumen, and strong capability to drive performance will be invaluable as the Group further intensifies its execution in a rapidly evolving retail environment.”
Bagattini's impactful leadership included significant strategic initiatives, such as enhancing capital allocation practices and bolstering Woolworths’ long-term growth potential by disposing of non-core assets and investing in South African operations. His tenure also witnessed a successful repositioning of the apparel sectors in South Africa and Australia, helping to boost their competitive edge.
The transition towards Ngumeni's leadership is set against a backdrop of strategic progress and stable growth, making this a pivotal moment for Woolworths as it looks toward the future with renewed ambition and vision.
IOL Business