Country Road Group CEO Raju Vuppalapati has resigned, citing the pursuit of personal interests.
Vuppalapati has been with the Group since 2021 and has overseen the management of the group’s portfolio of brands – Country Road, Trenery, Witchery, Mimco and Politix – as well as its re-entry into Myer.
Vuppalapati said that while the decision to leave was a difficult one, he felt this was the right time.
“It has been a privilege to lead our passionate team and iconic brands,” he said. “I know that I am leaving Country Road Group well positioned to pursue its next chapter with compelling strategies, a strengthened culture and clear pathway to reignite profitable growth.”
Country Road Group is owned by Woolworths Holdings Limited in South Africa. WHL group CEO Roy Bagattini referenced the successful reset of the Country Road Group operating model and culture over the last year as a key accomplishment of Vuppalapati during his tenure.
“The business transformation has been one of the most pivotal strategic initiatives undertaken by the Group, positioning the business strongly to resume its profitable growth trajectory as a leading House of Brands,” Bagattini said. “On behalf of WHL, we thank Raju for his leadership.”
Vuppalapati will continue in his role through to the end of August this, ensuring a smooth transition as WHL Group appoints a successor.
The exit of Vuppalapati comes after Trenery general manager Melanie Remai announced her move over to lead the Cue and Veronika Maine brands last month, taking the reins from Simon Schofield.
It also follows tough trading for the Country Road Group brands over the last year. For the 26 weeks to December 29, 2025, the Australian fashion group’s gross profit dropped by 13.5 per cent compared to the same period in 2023, with its profit before tax down 93.6 per cent.
Sales across Country Road Group had also fallen by 6.2 per cent for the 26 weeks to December 29 last year, with comparable store sales down 7.8 per cent in the same period.