Davis starts with Countdown on 2 July, coming from her current role as Chief Customer Transformation Officer for the Woolworths Group. She currently leads the Group’s Voice of Customer programmes, ensuring the teams are listening to customers and improving their shopping experiences every day. She also has responsibility for developing the ‘Customer 1st strategic priorities’, and ensuring their delivery.

Brad Banducci, CEO of Woolworths Group, says the appointment signals the strategic importance of New Zealand to the Group. “I know that Natalie will build on the strong foundations already established at Countdown. The transformation of our New Zealand business is underway, and Natalie is well placed to further build on this with the current leadership team,” says Banducci.

“Natalie’s passion for customers and our team, and the key role she has played in the transformation of our Australian Food business over the last few years, make her an obvious choice. It also highlights the breadth of talent we increasingly have within the Group.”

Davis says she is delighted with her appointment and can’t wait to get started. “I have been lucky to have worked with the New Zealand team over the past few years and it has been a real pleasure getting to know the team here. The genuine passion towards putting Kiwi customers first, pride in their work and focus on culture is core to our future success,” says Davis.

“I’m looking forward to joining the team and continuing our customer journey, as we evolve our offer to better meet customers’ ever changing needs”.