Former Virgin Airlines boss Jayne Hrdlicka lands top job at Dan Murphy’s owner Endeavour Group

Former Virgin Airlines boss Jayne Hrdlicka has landed a new job at flagging Dan Murphy’s and BWS owner Endeavour Group.

Ms Hrdlicka won’t formally start as managing director and chief executive until January 1 next year but has agreed to make herself available to meet frequently with the company, which also owns hundreds of local pubs, as it charts its next phase of growth.

But Endeavour investors showed little enthusiasm for news of the appointment on Tuesday, with shares closing just 2¢ higher to $4.03.

Endeavour has been searching for a new chief since Steve Donohue stepped down last September. Ari Mervis was appointed executive chair earlier this year and will remain in the role until Ms Hrdlicka takes over.

Ms Hrdlicka spent nearly four years rebuilding Virgin after the airline was bought out of administration by private equity giant Bain Capital in 2020. She quit the role last year and handed over to new CEO Dave Emerson last month.

She has also held roles as chief executive of Jetstar and infant formula distributor A2 Milk, and spent six years as a director with Woolworths until 2016 — which at the time included Endeavour’s brands and hotels before they were spun out of the grocery giant as a separately listed company in mid-2021.

Endeavour said Ms Hrdlicka had extensive experience as a senior executive and non-executive director at some of Australiaʼs best known consumer businesses and brands.

“Jayne has a proven track record leading consumer-facing businesses to success,” Mr Mervis said, adding she has led many complex organisations and delivered significant shareholder value by capturing the true potential of a companyʼs brands and assets.

“After an extensive global search, the board is delighted to have secured such a highly capable leader. Jayne brings many strengths to the role including a history of using deep consumer insights to define successful strategy formulation and execution and extensive business transformation experience.

“The board believes Jayne is the ideal candidate to lead Endeavour Group through its next phase of both growth and transformation.ˮ

Ms Hrdlicka said Endeavour had an “unmatched” portfolio of brands.

“I have a long history with Endeavourʼs retail and hotel businesses, initially as a consultant to Woolworths, including on their early liquor strategy, and then as a Woolworths Group board member,” she said.

“Endeavour Group has much to play for. I look forward to working with the 30,000 team members and together, continuing to deliver for millions of valued customers as we look to grow the company and unlock value for all of our shareholders.ˮ

Ms Hrdlicka takes the reins amid a challenging period for the group — which owns more than 1700 bottle shops and over 300 hotels across the country — as it grapples with value-conscious consumers suffering through a prolonged cost-of-living crisis.

The company also faced a lengthy public spat with billionaire pub baron and Endeavour’s largest shareholder Bruce Mathieson.

Endeavour for the half-year reported flat sales of $6.6 billion and a 15.1 per cent fall in net profit to $298 million.

Mr Donohue earlier this year said customers were still challenged by cost-of-living pressures, adding many were trading down across various drinks categories.

Endeavour is set to announce third-quarter results next Monday.