Retail appointments for the week

JD.com appoints first president Chinese retail giant JD.com has appointed Xu Lei as its first president, making way for CEO and founder Richard Liu to devote more time to formulating long-term strategies. Xu, previously the CEO of JD Retail, will fill the new position and lead the day-to-day operation and development of JD’s various business units, the company said in a statement. Liu, who started the company that would become JD in 1998, will also spend more time mentoring younger management

This article is for the Professionals

30 days trial starts from $4

Access this article More info

Already a professional?

e time mentoring younger management and contributing to the revitalisation of rural areas, the statement read.

Xin Lijun, who previously headed up JD Health, will take over from Xu as JD Retail’s chief, while Jin Enlin will become JD Health’s new CEO.

“The correct long-term strategic design, the growth and development of young talents, and the healthy and co-ordinated development of various business units will continue to be the driving forces for JD in doing the hardest and most challenging – but right and most valuable – things for the industry,” Liu said.

Richard Murray joins Premier team as CEO

Former JB Hi-Fi CEO Richard Murray has now officially begun his new role as CEO at retail giant Premier Investments, following the resignation of Mark McInnes. He finished his role at JB Hi-Fi last month, after 18 years with the company.

Premier Investments is the parent company of Smiggle, Peter Alexander, Jacqui E, Jay Jays, Just Jeans, Dotti and Portmans.

Cotton On’s Ceres Life hires new general manager

Cotton On’s online-only sustainable label, Ceres Life, which focuses on using organic and recycled fabrics in its clothes, has named former group strategy manager Steph Nolan its general manager.

Nolan was part of the team that launched Ceres Life last year, and will lead the organic label with a ‘roll up your sleeves’ and work-culture focused approach, the business stated.

“Wellness and development will be a huge part of my leadership strategy, knowing that when the team is well and happy, they’ll perform at their best,” Nolan said.

The plan for Ceres Life, Nolan explained, is to build brand awareness through digital and wholesale channels to drive a connection with customers and, once the brand has grown, to launch its own stores.

Nolan joins a majority-female leadership team across Cotton On; Group Chief Executive Peter Johnson welcomed her into the role.

“Steph is a long-standing and much-loved part of the [Cotton On Group] family, and we’re thrilled to be able to support her in taking the next step in her career,” Johnson said.

Little Birdie shakes up leadership team

Online retail startup Little Birdie has made several key hires, with ex-Uber product marketer David Jennings joining as chief marketing officer and ex-Kogan deputy CFO Joanne Smith appointed chief financial officer.

The business recently secured $30 million in funding from Commonwealth Bank to integrate its offering into the bank’s app, allowing CBA to dip its toe into e-commerce.

“I am thrilled to be part of the team that will help take Little Birdie to new heights, and I am looking forward to the challenge of guiding the business through rapid growth,” said Smith, who brings experience across e-commerce and technology businesses in Australia.

Smith was integral to Kogan’s IPO in 2016, and worked with KPMG’s advisory team on mergers, acquisitions and corporate transformations.

Jennings previously worked at Uber as head of global rider product marketing, where he oversaw the UberX, Uber Pool, Uber Vaccine and Uber Rent brands.

Little Birdie was launched last month. The startup aims to help consumers discover trending products, easily compare similar items from different brands, and track prices to find the offer that best meets their needs. It then redirects them to the retailer’s website to complete the transaction.