Buying Woolworths shares? Here's what you need to know about the retailer's latest overhaul

Woolworths announced leadership and organisational overhauls today.

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Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) shares are in the green today.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) supermarket giant closed yesterday trading for $30.04. In morning trade on Tuesday, shares are changing hands for $30.24 apiece, up 0.7%.

For some context, the ASX 200 is also up 0.7% at this same time.

That's today's price action for you.

Now, here's how Woolies is reshaping its leadership team and streamlining its organisation.

What's happening with the executive team?

In a release unlikely to have a material impact on Woolworths shares today, Woolworths announced that its Metro, Greenstock (red meat supply business), and Woolworths Food Company Retail (own brand) will now be part of Woolworths Retail.

That organisational restructure also comes with changes to its Food leadership team.

Annette Karantoni has been appointed as managing director of Woolworths Retail. She will report to Amanda Bardwell, Woolworths CEO and managing director of Australian Food.

"Annette has been leading Primary Connect, the Group's supply chain business, for over three years. This has included oversight of the NSW supply chain transformation, the Group's biggest strategic investment to date," Bardwell said.

Karantoni is no newcomer to the company. Before taking the helm at Primary Connect, she worked at Woolies for more than 20 years, including in various leadership roles.

Addressing the importance of the role Karantoni will have for Woolworths shares, Bardwell said:

Our Woolworths Retail business is the cornerstone of our group and critical to our success. Getting it right for our customers starts with our team and we are taking the opportunity to simplify the way we work to create the biggest impact for our customers.

With Metro, Greenstock and Woolworths Food Company Retail moving into Woolworths Retail under Annette's leadership, we will be able to enhance the role our retail food stores and own brand play in meeting the needs of our customers.

Leadership changes are also afoot across the Ditch.

Woolworths announced that Sally Copland has been appointed managing director of Woolworths New Zealand, replacing Spence Sonn.

Copland is another veteran, with more than 18 years of experience at Woolies in a number of executive positions.

"Sally's experience in Australia and New Zealand across many parts of our food businesses makes her ideally suited to lead Woolworths New Zealand in its continuing transformation," Bardwell said.

What's been happening with Woolworths shares?

Atop the potential for capital gains, Woolworths shares trade on a 4.8% fully franked trailing dividend yield.

As for those capital gains, the ASX 200 retailer has caught some headwinds in recent months. With today's intraday lift factored in, Woolworths shares remain down 16% since this time last year.

Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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