Pac Brands chairman to retire

MELBOURNE: The chairman of listed apparel group Pacific Brands has announced his intention to retire. Pat Handley, who has been at the helm of the company for the past seven years, said he would retire from the board at the end of this year. James McKenzie, a non-executive director since May, will replace Handley with immediate effect.

Handley said having overseen the successful appointment of new chief executive officer Sue Morphet earlier this year, now was a good time for him to bow out from the business.

"In these times it makes sense to be able to appoint a successor from within the ranks of the board. The transition will be seamless for the business," Handley said.

McKenzie was responsible for leading the transformation of the Victoria Government's Personal Injury Schemes as chairman of the TAC and Victorian WorkCover Authority from 2000 to 2007. He remains on both boards of management and is also chairman of Mirvac, Donaldson Coal Holdings and a director of Melco Crown Entertainment.

In 2003 he was awarded the Centenary Medal for services to public administration.