New Coles Liquor CEO Michael Courtney has spent his first day on the job after taking over from Darren Blackhurst.
“Today, I am delighted to officially step into my new role as Chief Executive Coles Liquor,” he said.
“Since my appointment in June, I have spent time visiting many Coles Liquor shops across Australia, and meeting with our dedicated team members. I have been impressed by the strength of our brands, the passion of our team and the pace of our national transformation programs which offer customers a wider range of local wines, craft beers, and boutique spirits, as well as an improved overall customer experience.”
“As I step into this role, I want to thank Darren Blackhurst for his leadership as Chief Executive Coles Liquor, and for inspiring our talented team to transform the liquor business. His significant contribution to Coles Liquor has made us the drinks specialist we are today,”Courtney said.
“I am incredibly privileged to lead the Coles Liquor team and look forward to working together to deliver our vision of being a simpler, more accessible, locally relevant drinks specialist for our customers.”
In April this year Darren Blackhurst announced he would be stepping down as Coles Liquor Chief Executive to return home to the United Kingdom to be closer to family.
Previously Courtney led the Coles Express business for four years, delivering a winning strategy in the petrol and convenience market and overseeing a successful transition to Viva Energy. Most recently Michael spent the past six months in the eCommerce business, transforming Coles’ customer offer.
Liquorland celebrates 500th store renewal
Courtney’s announcement follows Liquorland Coomera Town Centre on the Gold Coast becoming the 500th Liquorland store to undergo the transformation to Black and White.
Over the past three years more than 70% of national Liquorland stores have been updated from the traditional red and yellow colour scheme to a more modern black and white design.
“We’re proud to open the doors of this 500th Liquorland transformation store and reach this important milestone in our renewal journey,” said Blackhurst, who started in the role in January 2020.
“Over the past three years the team has worked very hard to make each new store simpler, more accessible and locally relevant, and this store in Coomera Town Centre showcases the fantastic work that the teams have done on bringing this to life,” he said.
“The transformation offers our customers a more spacious layout, simpler signage with clear pricing, an expanded range and dedicated product zones that ensure every customer leaves with exactly what they’re looking for,” Darren added.
Since launching in 1981, Liquorland has become one of the country’s largest national liquor retailers, with more than 700 stores nationwide. It’s estimated the remaining 200 stores will undergo a renewal by 2025.
Coles Liquor holds farewell drinks for CEO Darren Blackhurst
Categories: Business
