David Jones has promoted Erica Berchtold to the role of chief executive officer, following the departure of Scott Fyfe from the top spot at the luxury Australian department store.
Berchtold previously served as chief commercial officer at the Melbourne-based retailer, overseeing supply chain for the last 12 months.
With experience in e-commerce, digital transformation, and brand curation, the executive spent time at Australian e-commerce platform The Iconic, as well as a stint as managing director of sporting goods retailer, Rebel Sport.
Serving as the company’s first-ever CEO in David Jones’ 188-year history, Berchtold will be tasked with “sharpening and accelerating the execution of the company’s five-year Inspire 30 transformation plan,” according to a press release, including the actioning of “operating model improvements for greater cost efficiency and capability, enhancing the commercial portfolio for better margins and brand strength, and reigniting the David Jones brand through its customer offering and store network.”
Coinciding with the appointment, David Jones also announced the completion of a new three-year, asset-backed lending facility with Hilco, which looks to strengthen “the balance sheet and provides financial flexibility to support the company’s growth initiatives and supplier partnerships,” added the company, which was acquired by Anchorage Capital Partners in 2023.
“The refinancing allows us to stabilise and reset the business with a strong focus on growing our strategic core and modernising our technology and digital platforms,” said Berchtold.
“My aim is to further improve customer experience by curating our brand so that our strategy is aligned with our core values and the needs of our customers. I plan to lead our incredible team of people with decisive and results-oriented action.”
David Jones swung to a $95 million loss in 2025, as the cost-of-living softened consumer demand for its luxury clothing and accessories. Sales fell 8.7 per cent to $2 billion during the 12 months.
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