Former M&S executive Dixon named CEO of Australia's David Jones

By

Cajsa Lykke Carlson

Published
Sep 30, 2015

When Director of General Merchandise John Dixon left UK's Marks & Spencer in July, it was announced that he left to take up a CEO role, but his destination was not revealed. Now Woolworths Holdings Limited has announced that Dixon is the new CEO of Australian department store David Jones.

Dixon replaces Iain Nairn, who has been in charge for 14 months but is resigning for personal reasons. He will stay on for three months to help assure a smooth handover. Dixon will take up his new role in January 2016.

Commenting on the announcement, Ian Moir, WHL Group CEO, said, “Over the past 3 years Iain has made a significant contribution to our Australian businesses, initially as CEO of Country Road Group and more recently as CEO of David Jones. I would like to extend my warmest thanks to Iain for his leadership during this time, particularly in stewarding David Jones during the last 14 months.”

Dixon was the Director of General Merchandise (Clothing & Home) at UK's Marks & Spencer and had previously been the retailer's Director of Foods.

“John’s appointment reflects our long term strategy to take the David Jones business to the next level. John is a world class retailer who brings with him a powerful combination of international food and fashion expertise supported by large scale retail systems and management experience,” said Moir.

Commenting on his appointment, John Dixon said, “I'm very excited to be taking on this role as CEO of David Jones. It's a substantial business in its own right and lies at the heart of Australian society. It's a privilege to take on such a role and I am hugely excited by the future possibilities for growth and continuing to be the preeminent department store business.”