Sydney — March 6, 2026, 17:44 AEDT
- Woolworths reported that director Tracey Fellows exited the board as of March 1, according to a new filing.
- Retailer brings in tech veteran Jon Alferness as its latest non-executive director.
- Woolworths shares traded at A$35.99 late Friday afternoon.
Woolworths Group Ltd confirmed in a stock exchange filing that Tracey Fellows is no longer a director as of March 1, making official a board shift first signaled earlier this year.
This update lands at a time when Australia’s largest grocer is doubling down on digital—think online sales, delivery options, and mining customer data—even as rivals keep the pressure up and value-focused shoppers watch every dollar. Board oversight is now a louder topic for the industry.
Woolworths has been shuffling its board talent, aiming to stay level with competitors like Coles Group and fend off discount chains growing nationwide. The retailer puts a heavy focus on “digital” and “eCommerce” expertise—core elements of its current playbook.
The Appendix 3Z, filed as a final director’s interest notice after a departure, indicated Fellows didn’t hold any shares directly. The document pointed to an indirect stake: 4,382 shares via a superannuation nominee, plus another 2,788 tied up in the Woolworths Group Non-Executive Directors Equity Plan.
Back in January, Woolworths chair Scott Perkins told the board that Jon Alferness would step in as a non-executive director. Perkins described Alferness’s background as “highly relevant,” with the sector leaning further into “digital, media and eCommerce”.
Perkins expressed gratitude to Fellows for her “dedication and insights,” highlighting Fellows’ background in “digital and member platforms” as an asset to both the board and its committees.
Woolworths said Alferness comes from a technology and product background, having served most recently as chief product officer at Walmart U.S. and held earlier senior positions at Google. He’s expected to stand for election at the company’s 2026 annual general meeting.
As of 4:11 p.m. local time, Woolworths shares traded at A$35.99, a 0.07% gain for the day, the company’s investor page showed.
Even so, changing up the board mix isn’t a fast remedy. If discounting ramps up, grocery margins could get squeezed. And shelling out big money on delivery and online fulfilment doesn’t yield returns overnight—it’s a long haul.
Woolworths investors now wait for the AGM, where shareholders will vote on Alferness’s appointment. Clarity is also expected on how the board intends to navigate online retail investments without letting costs slip out of control.
