Blackwoods Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Blackwoods has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, operational logistics, and human capital management.

Focused on industrial supply excellence, Blackwoods delivers essential tools and equipment to businesses across Australia while maintaining a commitment to long-term operational reliability and customer-centric service standards.

Leadership Roles at Blackwoods

  • Chief Executive Officer - Andrew Bray
  • Chief Executive Officer & Founder - Andrew Lazarenko
  • Chief Financial Officer - Raji Venkatesan
  • Chief Operating Officer - Kari Banick
  • Chief People Officer - Keana Hunter
  • Andrew Bray - Chief Executive Officer

    Andrew Bray, the Chief Executive Officer at Blackwoods, directs the overarching corporate strategy for this industrial supply retailer. By analyzing market trends across the Australian landscape, Bray identifies growth opportunities within the competitive retail sector. The Chief Executive Officer manages high-level relationships with key stakeholders and ensures the alignment of departmental goals with the long-term vision of the organization. Andrew Bray maintains a focus on digital transformation, optimizing the online procurement experience for industrial clients. Through rigorous performance monitoring, the Chief Executive Officer drives efficiency across all business units. This leadership role requires constant adaptation to shifting supply chain dynamics and evolving customer demands. By fostering a culture of accountability, Bray secures the market position of the company. The Chief Executive Officer oversees the integration of new technologies to streamline inventory management, ultimately ensuring that the business remains a leader in the industrial supply market.

    Andrew Lazarenko - Chief Executive Officer & Founder

    Andrew Lazarenko, the Chief Executive Officer & Founder at Blackwoods, architects the foundational principles and long-term mission of the industrial supply enterprise. As the visionary leader, Lazarenko guides the strategic direction of the company, ensuring that the core values established in 1879 remain relevant in the modern digital marketplace. The Chief Executive Officer & Founder monitors the competitive landscape to identify emerging opportunities for expansion within the industrial retail sector. Andrew Lazarenko collaborates with the board to define capital allocation priorities and growth initiatives. By maintaining a deep understanding of the industrial supply chain, the Chief Executive Officer & Founder ensures that the organization meets the complex needs of diverse business clients. This leadership role involves setting the tone for corporate governance and ethical standards. Through consistent focus on innovation, Lazarenko drives the evolution of the business model, securing the legacy and future viability of the company in a rapidly changing global economy.

    Raji Venkatesan - Chief Financial Officer

    Raji Venkatesan, the Chief Financial Officer at Blackwoods, manages the fiscal health and capital structure of the industrial supply retailer. Overseeing financial planning, budgeting, and reporting, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that the company maintains robust liquidity to support ongoing operations. Raji Venkatesan directs the analysis of revenue streams and cost structures to improve overall profitability. This leadership role involves coordinating with other executives to allocate resources effectively across various departments. By implementing rigorous financial controls, the Chief Financial Officer mitigates risks associated with market volatility and supply chain fluctuations. Venkatesan monitors the financial performance of regional operations to ensure alignment with corporate objectives. Through strategic investment in digital infrastructure, the Chief Financial Officer supports the long-term growth of the business. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer provides the financial insights necessary for informed decision-making, ensuring that the company remains a stable and profitable entity within the competitive industrial supply industry.

    Kari Banick - Chief Operating Officer

    Kari Banick, the Chief Operating Officer at Blackwoods, directs the daily logistics and supply chain operations for the industrial retailer. By optimizing the distribution network, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that essential industrial supplies reach clients across Australia with maximum efficiency. Kari Banick oversees the integration of warehouse management systems to improve inventory accuracy and fulfillment speed. This leadership role involves managing cross-functional teams to streamline procurement processes and reduce operational bottlenecks. The Chief Operating Officer monitors performance metrics to identify areas for continuous improvement in service delivery. By aligning operational capacity with market demand, Banick supports the overall growth strategy of the company. The Chief Operating Officer collaborates with the executive team to implement scalable solutions that enhance the customer experience. Through meticulous oversight of logistics, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that the business maintains a competitive edge in the industrial supply market, consistently meeting the high standards expected by professional clients.

    Keana Hunter - Chief People Officer

    Keana Hunter, the Chief People Officer at Blackwoods, directs the human capital strategy and organizational development for the industrial supply retailer. By designing talent acquisition and retention programs, the Chief People Officer ensures that the company attracts the expertise necessary to maintain its market position. Keana Hunter oversees the implementation of training initiatives that enhance employee performance and professional growth. This leadership role involves fostering a workplace culture that prioritizes safety, inclusivity, and high performance. The Chief People Officer collaborates with other executives to align workforce capabilities with the strategic goals of the business. By managing compensation and benefits structures, the Chief People Officer ensures that the organization remains an employer of choice within the industrial sector. Hunter monitors employee engagement levels to drive productivity and organizational health. Through the development of robust leadership pipelines, the Chief People Officer secures the future talent needs of the company, supporting long-term operational success.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Blackwoods Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Blackwoods?
    Blackwoods is led by Andrew Bray (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Andrew Lazarenko (Chief Executive Officer & Founder) and Raji Venkatesan (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Blackwoods’s executive team?
    The executive team of Blackwoods includes leaders such as Andrew Bray (Chief Executive Officer), Andrew Lazarenko (Chief Executive Officer & Founder), Raji Venkatesan (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Blackwoods have?
    Blackwoods has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Blackwoods’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Blackwoods includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer & Founder, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief People Officer.