Woolworths CEO Brad Banducci announces he’s stepping down days after walking out of ABC interview
Woolworths CEO Brad Banducci has announced he is stepping down just days after walking out of an ABC interview.
The supermarket announced on Wednesday morning that South African-born Mr Banducci will retire in September after eight and a half years as CEO and 13 years with the company as a whole.
It comes just days after the embattled boss walked out of an ABC interview after asking for one of his answers to be cut.
Woolworths CEO Brad Banducci (pictured) has announced he is stepping down just days after leaving the ABC interview
Mr Banducci has come under fire in recent months over Woolworth’s decision not to stock Australia Day merchandise.
The move sparked widespread anger, with opposition leader Peter Dutton calling for a boycott of the store.
Some customers demanded Mr Banducci’s dismissal, while Woolworths employees bore the brunt of the backlash after facing abuse from customers.
In a memo to staff, obtained by Daily Mail Australia, Mr Banducci told staff he was “deeply sorry” they had to endure the backlash.
“I would like to personally apologize to all of you for the way our merchandising decision was received – and how it resulted in hurtful and inappropriate responses directed at you, our team members,” Mr. Banducci wrote.
He has also been criticized for alleged price gouging by supermarkets.
More to come.