Bunnings To Keep Building On What Customers Love As Mike Schneider Passes The Hammer To Rachael McVitty

Key points

• Rachael McVitty will succeed Mike Schneider as Managing Director of Bunnings Group on 1 February 2027, after taking up the role of Deputy Managing Director from today.
• Ms McVitty brings more than 17 years of Wesfarmers experience, including senior leadership roles at Bunnings and Blackwoods.
• Bunnings enters the transition from a position of strength, having doubled revenue and transformed its customer, commercial and digital offer over the last decade.

With strong momentum and a clear plan in place, Bunnings is set to keep delivering for its customers following the appointment of Rachael McVitty as its next Managing Director.

Ms McVitty, currently Bunnings’ Chief Customer Officer, commences as Deputy Managing Director from today, and will work alongside Managing Director Mike Schneider over the next five months before succeeding him on 1 February 2027, when he retires from Bunnings.

The transition comes at a good time, with Bunnings’ solid performance and strong reputation ensuring that, after a decade under Mr Schneider’s leadership, the business has the right fundamentals in place to drive continued growth and performance.

Over the last ten years of Mr Schneider’s leadership, the business has grown significantly, with continued category expansion and digital transformation as well as entry into new channels and markets including retail media, marketplace and businesses such as Beaumont Tiles and Tool Kit Depot and enhancements to the group’s operating model.

Over the same period, Bunnings transformed how customers shop with the business, creating a more seamless experience between stores and digital channels. A decade ago, customers could not transact online, but today they can move easily between researching, planning, purchasing and completing their projects online and in store.

Since becoming Bunnings’ Chief Customer Officer in May 2024, Ms McVitty has contributed significantly to this work, leading store operations and Bunnings’ commercial businesses, with responsibility for more than 50,000 team members across Australia and New Zealand.

She has led work to improve customer experience, safety and productivity across the store network, while advancing Bunnings’ commercial capabilities and offer.

Ms McVitty said Bunnings was well placed to keep building on the experience customers know and trust.

“Bunnings is the incredible business it is today because of our people,” Ms McVitty said.

“Our teams work hard every day to earn the trust of the customers and communities we serve, helping Australians and New Zealanders create homes they love, and making it easier for tradies and businesses to get their work done.

“Long before I joined Bunnings, I still fondly remember my first visit to a Bunnings store in Alexandria, Sydney for help with a project in my new apartment. I was warmly welcomed, given practical advice by a team member and left feeling confident I could get the job done.

“That is what I want every customer to experience when they shop with us.

“We know customer expectations are always changing, and technology is continuing to evolve, and I’m excited to lead the business in finding better, safer and more productive ways to deliver the lowest prices, widest range and best experience for our customers.”

Mr Schneider said Ms McVitty’s experience and commitment to its customers and team made her the right leader for the business.

“Rachael knows Bunnings deeply and has played an important role in shaping the business we are today,” Mr Schneider said.

“Our immediate focus is clear, and we won’t be taking our foot off the accelerator. We have a strong plan for the 2027 financial year and a busy period ahead through Father’s Day, spring and Christmas.

“We are laser focussed on delivering throughout this period and the transition, and I am confident the business will continue to go from strength to strength under Rachael’s leadership.”

Ms McVitty brings more than 17 years of experience across Wesfarmers, including as Chief Financial Officer of Bunnings, Chief Executive Officer of Blackwoods and Chief Financial Officer of Wesfarmers Industrials Division.

Ms McVitty’s first priority will be to spend time engaging with team, suppliers and customers and other stakeholders across Australia and New Zealand.

For headshots, please see below.

Further details are contained in the Wesfarmers announcement released to the Australian Securities Exchange today.

ENDS

Media inquires: Rachel Tharratt on rachel.tharratt@bunnings.com.au | 0451 135 969

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