Super Retail shares lifting on big leadership news

Super Retail is shoring up its group leadership team.

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Key points

  • Super Retail Group shares rose 0.6% to $16.85 following the announcement of Paul Bradshaw as the new managing director and CEO, effective 1 November.
  • Bradshaw, previously managing director of BCF, is credited with significant sales and profit growth since 2019, and is expected to lead the group into its next phase of growth.
  • Michael Wassman will take over as BCF's managing director, while interim CEO David Burns will return to his CFO role.

Super Retail Group Ltd (ASX: SUL) shares are pushing higher today. 

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) retail conglomerate – whose brands include Supercheap Auto, Rebel, BCF, and Macpac – closed yesterday trading for $16.75. In morning trade on Tuesday, shares are changing hands for $17.07 apiece, up 1.9%.

For some context, the ASX 200 is up 0.5% at this same time.

Here's what's catching investor interest today.

Super Retail shares gain on new CEO appointment

It's been just over one month since the abrupt dismissal of former Super Retail managing director and CEO Anthony Heraghty.

Heraghty, as you may recall, was sacked following months of unwanted publicity involving his alleged affair with the company's former HR chief officer, Jane Kelly. 

Today, Super Retail shares are marching higher after the company announced his replacement.

Following a global and local search process, which the ASX 200 retail stock said reflects its focus on leadership continuity and strategic consistency, Paul Bradshaw was appointed as group managing director and CEO. Bradshaw will officially take over the reins on 1 November.

"Paul has an exceptional understanding of retail, leads with a clear focus on the customer, and is highly regarded by his team and peers," board chair Judith Swales said.

Bradshaw is currently the managing director of BCF, with more than 30 years of retail leadership experience across Australia and the United Kingdom. He joined Super Retail in 2019, where he was reported to have been delivering strong operational and financial performance, helping to support Super Retail shares.

Swales noted:

He has consistently demonstrated strategic clarity, commercial discipline and strong results. Under Paul's leadership since 2019, BCF's sales have grown 85 per cent and profit before tax has increased almost three-fold.

The board is confident Paul will lead Super Retail Group into its next phase of growth, providing for continuity of strategy and execution, while remaining true to our vision and values.

Commenting on his appointment, Bradshaw said:

It's a privilege to lead a business I know so well and believe in so deeply. I'm proud of what we've achieved as a team and excited about the opportunity to lead Super Retail Group through its next chapter.

What else did the ASX 200 retail stock announce?

With Bradshaw's internal promotion, Michael Wassman – currently the GM of Retail Operations – will take over his former position.

Wassman will take over as the managing director of BCF on 1 November.

"We also congratulate Michael Wassman on his appointment to lead BCF," Swales said.

"Michael has been a highly respected member of the BCF team for nearly 20 years, with a deep understanding of retail operations, strategy and merchandising," she added.

Interim CEO David Burns will return to his role as CFO.

With today's intraday boost factored in, Super Retail shares are up just over 10% in 2025.

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 positions in and has recommended Super Retail Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Super Retail Group. 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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