Department store David Jones has appointed a new chairman as part of a company-wide management shuffle.
The retailer has confirmed Gordon Cairns will take the helm as non-executive director and chairman of the company, replacing incumbent Peter Mason.
The appointment is part of a board renewal process led by deputy chair Jane Harvey which was announced by the company on February 10, 2014.
Mason, who has served six years as a non-executive director including 15 months as chairman of the David Jones board, has given notice of his resignation as chairman and member of the board.
Commenting on the appointment Harvey said Cairns is well-prepared for the role.
Cairns has more than 10 years experience as a public company director. He recently retired from Westpac Banking Corporation Limited after nine years on the board and is currently the chairman of Origin Energy Limited.
“The David Jones board welcomes Gordon Cairns as the company’s new chairman. Gordon brings with him extensive experience as a chairman and CEO of large publicly listed companies as well as an intrinsic understanding of retailing and businesses with a strong customer centric focus.
“He has outstanding corporate governance credentials in his capacity as chairman and non-executive director of a number of ASX Top 20 companies. We look forward to working closely with Gordon and the management team to continue the successful implementation of the company’s Future Strategic Direction Plan,” Harvey said.
Outgoing David Jones chairman Mason added that he is leaving the David Jones board in good hands.
“It has been an honour to have served on the board and as chairman of David Jones. I step down today knowing that the company is in good hands under the stewardship of new chairman Gordon Cairns who has great depth of experience as a publicly listed company director and chairman.”