Wesfarmers-owned Kmart Group has announced the resignation of managing director Ian Bailey after 19 years, with chief financial officer Aleksandra Spaseska to step up to the role.
Wesfarmers-owned Kmart Group has announced the resignation of managing director Ian Bailey after 19 years, with chief financial officer Aleksandra Spaseska to step up to the role in April 2025.
In an announcement to the ASX today, the company confirmed the immediate appointment of Ms Spaseska as deputy managing director for the transition period until she takes over as managing director next year.
Ms Spaseska joined Wesfarmers more than 16 years ago and was appointed as Kmart chief financial officer in March 2020.
Prior to this, she held positions including Wesfarmers executive general manager company secretariat and risk, Wesfarmers general manager investor relations, and Target Australia WA general manager.
Outgoing Mr Bailey would remain with Kmart Group in the new year, shifting to become chairman of the company’s brand Anko Global.
Wesfarmers Chemicals, Energy and Fertilisers has also had a change in leadership with Aaron Hood officially commencing as managing director last month, taking over from Ian Hansen.
Mr Hood joined Wesfarmers seven years ago and in June 2023, he was appointed as WesCEF chief operating officer.
His history with the business also includes service as Wesfarmers executive general manager business development for one year and WesCEF chief financial officer for 2.5 years.
Outgoing WesCEF managing director Mr Hansen worked for Wesfarmers for more than a decade and would continue serving with the business in an advisory capacity.
He would also remain as chair of the group’s lithium business Covalent Lithium.
Wesfarmers managing director Rob Scott said he was delighted to announce Ms Spaseska’s new appointment as Kmart Group managing director.
“Aleks brings deep knowledge of the Kmart and Target businesses together with strong commercial acumen,” Mr Scott said.
“Working with Ian, Aleks has played an important role in key strategic initiatives within Kmart Group, including the restructuring of Target and transformation activities in data and digital, global sourcing and supply chain.
“Aleks’ appointment highlights Wesfarmers’ strong talent development and succession planning processes.”
Mr Scott said Wesfarmers welcomed Mr Hood as WesCEF managing director at a time of significant opportunities for the company.
“Aaron brings strong commercial acumen together with technical expertise in relation to the WesCEF and Covalent operations,” Mr Scott said.
Mr Scott also shared his gratitude for both outgoing managing directors, Mr Bailey and Mr Hansen.
“[Mr Bailey] has played an instrumental role in Kmart Group, driving the transformation of Kmart, including the development of the unique sourcing model which has underpinned its success and created significant value for Wesfarmers’ shareholders,” Mr Scott said.
“He has been a pivotal figure in Kmart’s growth, creating a world-class product development company and trusted brand. In recent years, Ian has led important strategic moves to take Anko into new markets and simplify and strengthen Target.
“[Mr Hansen] has been instrumental in the growth and success of WesCEF and is a deeply trusted and respected member of our Wesfarmers Leadership Team.
“[He] will leave WesCEF with a track record of delivering consistent operational excellence and many major projects, while having significantly advanced the division’s safety, diversity and sustainability performance.”
