Coles Group Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Coles Group has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, operations, technology, and human resources.

Driven by a commitment to quality and convenience, Coles Group provides a wide array of food, household goods, and essentials, impacting Australian consumers through extensive physical and digital retail platforms.

Leadership Roles at Coles Group

  • Chief Executive Officer - Marvin Coles
  • Chief Financial Officer - S. Charlie Elias
  • Chief Operating Officer - Jason Appel
  • Chief Operating Officer & Interim Chief Technology Officer - Matthew Swindells
  • Chief People Officer - Deborah Yates
  • Marvin Coles - Chief Executive Officer

    Marvin Coles, the Chief Executive Officer at Coles Group, directs the overarching corporate strategy and operational execution. Coles guides the company's expansion and market positioning within Australia's competitive grocery retail sector. This leadership role involves ensuring alignment across all departments to deliver on the company's mission of providing quality products and convenient shopping experiences. Marvin Coles oversees the integration of physical store operations with advanced online and mobile app platforms, driving innovation in customer engagement and service delivery. The Chief Executive Officer's focus remains on sustainable growth and enhancing shareholder value through efficient resource management and strategic market initiatives.

    S. Charlie Elias - Chief Financial Officer

    S. Charlie Elias, the Chief Financial Officer at Coles Group, manages all financial planning, reporting, and capital allocation. Elias oversees the company's fiscal health, ensuring robust financial controls and driving profitability across extensive supermarket operations and digital channels. This critical position involves developing financial strategies that support Coles Group's commitment to quality products and convenient shopping experiences for Australian consumers. S. Charlie Elias directs treasury operations, investor relations, and risk management, safeguarding the company's assets and optimizing financial performance. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities extend to evaluating investment opportunities and managing budgets to facilitate the company's ongoing growth and operational efficiency.

    Jason Appel - Chief Operating Officer

    Jason Appel, the Chief Operating Officer at Coles Group, directs the day-to-day operations of the company's vast retail network. Appel ensures the seamless functioning of numerous supermarkets across Australia, focusing on operational efficiency and maintaining high standards for product availability and customer service. This role is central to delivering on Coles Group's promise of convenient shopping experiences and quality everyday essentials. Jason Appel oversees supply chain logistics, store management, and the integration of in-store and online fulfillment processes. The Chief Operating Officer's strategic focus includes optimizing store layouts, managing inventory, and implementing operational improvements to enhance the overall customer journey and support the company's market leadership.

    Matthew Swindells - Chief Operating Officer & Interim Chief Technology Officer

    Matthew Swindells, the Chief Operating Officer & Interim Chief Technology Officer at Coles Group, drives operational excellence and technological advancement. Swindells manages the integration of technology solutions to enhance the company's extensive grocery retail operations and digital platforms, supporting the delivery of quality products and convenient shopping experiences. This dual role involves overseeing operational efficiency across numerous Australian supermarkets while also guiding the company's technology strategy and implementation. Matthew Swindells focuses on leveraging innovation to improve customer engagement, streamline supply chains, and optimize the overall business model. The Chief Operating Officer & Interim Chief Technology Officer's leadership ensures that technology effectively supports Coles Group's mission and market position.
    Matthew Swindells

    Deborah Yates - Chief People Officer

    Deborah Yates, the Chief People Officer at Coles Group, leads all human resources functions and talent management strategies. Yates cultivates a positive and productive work environment across the company's extensive network of supermarkets and support functions, aligning people strategies with the mission to provide quality products and convenient shopping experiences. This role is pivotal in attracting, developing, and retaining a skilled workforce essential for Coles Group's success in the Australian retail market. Deborah Yates oversees employee relations, organizational development, and the implementation of HR policies that support diversity and inclusion. The Chief People Officer's focus includes fostering a strong company culture and ensuring that the employee experience contributes directly to customer satisfaction and operational excellence.
    Deborah Yates

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Coles Group Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Coles Group?
    Coles Group is led by Marvin Coles (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as S. Charlie Elias (Chief Financial Officer) and Jason Appel (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Coles Group’s executive team?
    The executive team of Coles Group includes leaders such as Marvin Coles (Chief Executive Officer), S. Charlie Elias (Chief Financial Officer), Jason Appel (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Coles Group have?
    Coles Group has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Coles Group’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Coles Group includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Operating Officer & Interim Chief Technology Officer, Chief People Officer.