Executive Changes Shaping 2026 Strategy
The 2026 calendar year has started with momentum that has flowed through from last year.
The market is seeing significant executive movement so far in 2026 across the Retail, Consumer and FMCG sectors:
January 2026 – 138 total movements
• CEO / MD / Executive Appointments, 36 (26%)
• CFO / Finance / Other Executive, 28 (20%)
• Other / Advisory / Special Roles, 8 (6%)
A couple of notable appointments include Chris Wilesmith – ex Jaycar and Mitre 10 NZ CEO, joining Bapcor as CEO replacing Angus Mackay, and Sean Barrett, from US supermarket giant Albertson appointed CMO of Woolworths replacing Andrew Hicks.
Total executive / C-suite movements, 72 (52% of all January movements)
February 2026 – 70 total movements (to date)
• CEO / MD, 14 (20%)
• CFO, 7 (10%)
• Other C-suite and senior functional executives, 22 (31%)
Notable appointments include Andrew Gregory as Global CEO of Domino’s Pizza Enterprises to drive turnaround strategy, and Seb Brandt, formerly CMO at Inghams Group, appointed CEO of White Prince Mushrooms to strengthen FMCG leadership.
Total executive / C-suite movements, 43 (61% of all February movements)
Executive movement at this pace sends a clear signal: organisations are actively managing talent, stress-testing succession options, and responding to change. Yet many succession plans are only reviewed when a vacancy arises, increasing risk. And if succession planning focuses solely on internal capability without rigorous external benchmarking, organisations may unintentionally overlook the very best available talent.
We may have reached out, emailed, or even worked with you previously. The reality, however, is that the market moves quickly. Opportunities for top executives are being lost as organisations compete aggressively and act decisively. Some firms take the easy path, relying on past assumptions, familiar companies, or known names.
At Blenheim Partners, we approach every appointment as if it were our first: thorough, disciplined, and willing to challenge conventional thinking. We rigorously map the market, test succession depth, and ensure that no viable candidate internal or external is overlooked.
We work with executives and organisations to quietly engage senior talent, validate succession readiness, and identify ready-now or near-ready leaders, often well before a mandate goes live.
With more than 25 years in business and experience leading companies as a Chief Executive in the Consumer sector, I bring real-world insight to my role leading the Consumer & Retail Practice at Blenheim Partners. I understand the pressures of leadership and work closely with clients to deliver practical, actionable solutions.
If it would be helpful, I would welcome a brief 10-minute discussion to compare notes on your organisation’s succession coverage and leadership risk areas for 2026.
Open to a short conversation? Please email or call me on 0408 444 042, and we can arrange a convenient time to connect.
Peter Sinodinos
Partner, Consumer, Retail, Life Sciences, Travel and Leisure