Woolworths SA appoints long-time employee as new CEO

Zyda Rylands

"Zyda will take responsibility for the entire food and clothing business across SA and Africa," a statement read.

This change "brings consistency to the group structure", with all of the main business units, namely Woolworths SA, David Jones and Country Road Group, as well as the group positions of chief operating officer, chief financial officer and group secretary reporting to Ian Moir, group CEO.

"Zyda has worked in many parts of the Woolworths business including finance, HR and operations during her 20-year career with the business. Under her leadership, Woolworths Foods has transformed into a sizeable foods business with a reputation for quality, innovation and sustainability.

According to the statement: "Since Zyda's appointment, Woolworths Foods has seen 83% growth in turnover as well as a 240% growth in profit.

"Zyda is a talented and inspirational retailer and leader and has delivered consistently strong results as MD of our foods business - growing both market share and margin while understanding and anticipating our customers' needs," said Moir.

"This year has been transformational for our group with the acquisition of David Jones turning us into a southern hemisphere retailer of scale. Ensuring each major business has a CEO who is clearly focused and responsible for driving growth and profitability, will better position us to deliver our strategic objectives."

Rylands said, "I am incredibly excited by this opportunity. Our strategy is clear in SA and Africa and I am very much looking forward to leading such an amazing brand and talented group of people."

Rylands was born and educated in Cape Town, and completed a BCom at the University of Cape Town and BCom (Honours) at the University of the Western Cape. She then completed her articles at Kessel Feinstein and qualified as a chartered accountant in 1993.