Woolworths names Sam Ngumeni CEO as Roy Bagattini prepares to retire in 2026

Woolworths Holdings Limited, one of South Africa’s leading retail groups, has announced that its Group Chief Executive Officer, Roy Bagattini, will retire from the company by the end of September 2026 after more than six years at the helm.

His departure forms part of a planned leadership transition that will see longtime executive Sam Ngumeni appointed as Group CEO, effective June 1, 2026.

Bagattini, who joined the Cape Town–based retailer in 2020, oversaw a period of strategic repositioning aimed at strengthening the company’s balance sheet and sharpening its focus on high-return businesses.

Roy Bagattini’s impact on Woolworths
During Bagattini’s tenure, Woolworths implemented a series of transformative strategic decisions designed to restore financial discipline and unlock long-term shareholder value.

One of the most consequential moves was the disposal of the Australian department store chain David Jones, a transaction that significantly reduced the group’s leverage and allowed management to refocus capital on core operations.

Under his leadership, the retailer also deepened investment in its South African business while pursuing growth initiatives such as the acquisition of Absolute Pets and the launch of Woolworths Ventures, a platform aimed at building new digital and retail capabilities.

Bagattini further oversaw the company’s first-ever share buyback program and spearheaded efforts to reposition Woolworths’ apparel division, strengthening its competitiveness in an increasingly challenging retail landscape.

Beyond operational strategy, he championed the company’s work on Inclusive Justice initiatives, reinforcing Woolworths’ broader commitment to social and economic development in the communities where it operates.

Sam Ngumeni to lead the next phase
To succeed Bagattini, the board has appointed Sam Ngumeni, a veteran executive with nearly three decades of experience within the Woolworths group.

Ngumeni currently serves as CEO of the company’s food division, a business widely regarded as the market leader in South Africa’s premium grocery segment. Under his leadership, the division has delivered consistent above-market growth and strengthened its competitive position.

Over the course of his career at Woolworths, Ngumeni has held several senior roles including Group Chief Operating Officer, Group Director of HR and Transformation, and CEO of Woolworths Financial Services. His responsibilities have spanned supply chain operations, logistics, technology, online retail, data analytics, real estate, and the company’s Rest of Africa operations.

The board said Ngumeni’s deep institutional knowledge and operational expertise place him in a strong position to guide the group through its next strategic phase.

What’s next for Woolworths?
Founded in 1931, Woolworths Holdings Limited operates a diversified retail portfolio spanning fashion, beauty, homeware, and food across South Africa, Australia, and parts of sub-Saharan Africa.

As Ngumeni prepares to take the helm, the retailer will look to build on the strategic groundwork laid during Bagattini’s tenure, intensifying operational execution, expanding digital capabilities, and strengthening its core businesses in an increasingly competitive retail environment.

Bagattini will step down as Group CEO on May 31, 2026, but will remain with the company during a transition period to ensure a smooth handover of leadership.