Garnsey defects to Pac Brands

SYDNEY: David Jones is facing another management upheaval following the resignation of two executives, with its group general manager fashion and beauty heading to Pacific Brands.

Colette Garnsey will take on the role of group general manager of underwear and hosiery with Pacific Brands. The long-standing public face of David Jones’ women’s fashion will take care of the Bonds brand, as well as Holeproof, Jockey, Razzamatazz, Rio and Voodoo.

Garnsey’s resignation from David Jones follows a turbulent year for the department store business, in which its former chief executive officer Mark McInnes resigned over allegations of inappropriate conduct towards publicist Kristy Fraser-Kirk.

Garnsey will be replaced at David Jones by Sacha Laing, who has been general manager of accessories, footwear and childrenswear for the past six years.

Group general manager marketing Damian Eales has also stepped down from his role, to be replaced by Brett Riddington. Riddington has been with David Jones since 2007 as general manager cosmetics.

A new group general manager financial services has also been appointed as part of the new line up, with Matthew Durbin in the role. Durbin has been with the company since 1997, most recently as general manager of the David Jones American Express Alliance.

Garnsey and Eales will spend the next few months guiding the three into their new roles.

David Jones CEO Paul Zahra said each of the appointments bring a wealth of experience to the business.

“I am delighted that the depth of our management team and our internal succession planning has enabled us to appoint internal candidates and ensure a smooth transition of the roles,” he said.

“Given Sacha’s, Brett’s and Matthew’s in-depth knowledge of the David Jones business and the leadership capability they have shown, I am confident that they are the ideal candidates for these roles and their appointment to the Management Committee.”