Woolworths Group chief marketing officer Andrew Hicks will step down at the end of the 2025 financial year, marking the end of a 16-year tenure with the supermarket giant.
Hicks, who has held the CMO role since 2019, announced his departure to staff on Thursday, though it is understood he made the decision several months ago. He will remain connected to the business in a strategic brand consulting capacity as Woolworths continues its transformation.
A career spanning Dan Murphy’s to Woolworths’ turnaround
Hicks first joined Woolworths Group in 2008 as national marketing manager at Dan Murphy’s, later moving into a broader role as general manager of marketing for Woolworths Liquor Group in 2012.
In 2015, he transitioned to the Food portfolio, heading up marketing for Woolworths supermarkets before taking the CMO position in 2019. Over the years, Hicks has played a critical role in brand transformation, crisis response, and strategic marketing initiatives.
In a statement to Mi3, Hicks said it was the right time to take his next career step.
“It has been an enormous privilege to have been a part of the leadership team at Woolworths Group and to have been trusted with the opportunity to guide and grow such an iconic portfolio of brands.”
“I have been privileged to have been surrounded by such a talented and committed brand and marketing team, including our agency partners.”
Woolworths CEO Amanda Bardwell praised Hicks’ strategic, creative, and leadership impact over the years, particularly highlighting his contributions to:
• The group’s response to COVID-19
• Award-winning marketing campaigns
• The establishment of Cartology, Woolworths’ retail media business
• Repositioning Woolworths Group’s brand and purpose
• The ‘That’s Why I Pick Woolies’ brand platform
“Andrew has always led with care, purpose, and creativity. We’d like to thank Andrew for his many years of support, the significant cultural change he has impacted, and for his keen insights, humour, and the heartfelt customer focus he brought to our business,” Bardwell said.
While Hicks will officially exit his role on June 30, he will continue to support Woolworths in a consulting capacity as the company embarks on its next phase of transformation.
Hicks’ departure leaves a major CMO vacancy, with Woolworths yet to begin the search for his replacement.