Wesfarmers creates industrial wing

Wesfarmers has promoted Rob Scott to managing director of a new industrials division created through the combination of its three non-retail operations.

Wesfarmers’ three industrial businesses – Chemicals, Energy and Fertilisers (WesCEF), Resources, and Industrial and Safety (WIS) – will be grouped together under a new industrials division, with Mr Scott, the head of financial services, to become managing director of the new group.

Mr Scott’s current responsibilities will be handed over to Coles digital director Roger Sniezek.

Former insurance division managing director Anthony Gianotti has been appointed finance director of the new industrials division, while Olivier Chretien, who has been WIS managing director since 2008, will lead the group’s business development and corporate planning functions.

Tim Bult will move from business development to a new role, where he will oversee Wesfarmers’ associated businesses, and further develop the group’s offshore business development networks.

Mr Chretien and Mr Bult will report to Wesfarmers finance director Terry Bowen.

Resources managing director Stewart Butel and WesCEF managing director Tom O’Leary will report to Mr Scott, who will also have day-to-day responsibility for WIS.

Wesfarmers’ other retail divisions – home improvement and office supplies, Kmart and Target – will not be affected by the changes.

Managing director Richard Goyder said the changes would streamline the group’s reporting and decision-making structure.

“This is the next step in the evolution of the Wesfarmers businesses,” Mr Goyder said.

“It will enhance sharing of knowledge and ideas between naturally clustered business units, reinforce our performance and development culture and better position the group for growth.”

Shares in Wesfarmers were 0.4 per cent higher, or 19 cents, to $41.62 each at 1pm.