Woolworths Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Woolworths Holdings has 8 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, technology, and revenue.

Driven by a commitment to retail excellence, Woolworths Holdings is dedicated to delivering quality products and services, shaping the South African retail landscape through innovation and customer focus.

Leadership Roles at Woolworths

  • Chief Executive Officer - Hans Jilek
  • Group Chief Executive Officer - Samuel Ngumeni
  • Chief Financial Officer - Zaid Manjra
  • Chief Financial Officer, Woolworths Food - Justin Crowhurst
  • Chief Financial Officer, Wventures - Deborah Clifford
  • Chief Information Officer - Christie Koorts
  • Chief Revenue Officer & Specialist - Raygana Isaacs
  • Chief Information Officer, PA To The - Nellie Batwa
  • Hans Jilek - Chief Executive Officer

    Hans Jilek, the Chief Executive Officer at Woolworths, directs the overarching strategic vision and operational execution for the conglomerate. Jilek's leadership focuses on driving sustainable growth and enhancing market position within the competitive retail sector. This executive oversees the integration of diverse business units, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives and fostering a culture of performance. By navigating complex market dynamics, Hans Jilek guides the company's expansion initiatives and capitalizes on emerging opportunities. The Chief Executive Officer's role involves critical decision-making regarding resource allocation and long-term business planning, directly impacting the company's financial health and operational efficiency across all its retail segments.

    Samuel Ngumeni - Group Chief Executive Officer

    Samuel Ngumeni, the Group Chief Executive Officer at Woolworths, spearheads the strategic direction and comprehensive management of the entire group's operations. Ngumeni's mandate includes driving innovation, optimizing performance across all divisions, and ensuring the company's long-term viability and market leadership. This executive is responsible for fostering strong stakeholder relationships and championing the company's commitment to ethical business practices and sustainability. By overseeing major group-wide initiatives, Samuel Ngumeni ensures cohesive strategy implementation and operational excellence. The Group Chief Executive Officer's influence extends to shaping the corporate culture and guiding the organization through evolving market landscapes, directly contributing to Woolworths' sustained success and expansion.

    Zaid Manjra - Chief Financial Officer

    Zaid Manjra, the Chief Financial Officer at Woolworths, directs all financial operations and strategic financial planning for the organization. Manjra's responsibilities encompass managing capital, overseeing budgeting, financial reporting, and ensuring fiscal compliance across the group's diverse retail interests. This executive plays a pivotal role in financial risk management and the identification of investment opportunities to drive profitability and shareholder value. By analyzing market trends and economic indicators, Zaid Manjra provides critical financial insights to support executive decision-making. The Chief Financial Officer's leadership ensures the financial stability and strategic allocation of resources necessary for Woolworths' continued growth and operational efficiency.

    Justin Crowhurst - Chief Financial Officer, Woolworths Food

    Justin Crowhurst, the Chief Financial Officer, Woolworths Food at Woolworths, directs the financial strategy and operations specifically for the food division. Crowhurst manages budgeting, financial reporting, and capital allocation to support the growth and profitability of Woolworths' extensive food retail operations. This executive plays a key role in financial planning, risk assessment, and ensuring fiscal discipline within the food segment. By providing strategic financial insights, Justin Crowhurst supports the food division's objectives and contributes to its market competitiveness. The Chief Financial Officer, Woolworths Food's leadership ensures the financial health and efficient resource management critical for success in the dynamic food retail market.

    Deborah Clifford - Chief Financial Officer, Wventures

    Deborah Clifford, the Chief Financial Officer, Wventures at Woolworths, leads the financial strategy and management for the company's venture capital and investment arm. Clifford is responsible for financial planning, investment analysis, and managing the financial performance of Wventures' portfolio. This executive plays a crucial role in identifying and evaluating new investment opportunities that align with Woolworths' strategic growth objectives. By overseeing financial operations, Deborah Clifford ensures the effective deployment of capital and maximization of returns from venture investments. The Chief Financial Officer, Wventures' expertise is essential for driving innovation and strategic expansion through targeted financial backing.

    Christie Koorts - Chief Information Officer

    Christie Koorts, the Chief Information Officer at Woolworths, leads the company's technology strategy and digital transformation initiatives. Koorts is responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of robust IT infrastructure, ensuring data security, and leveraging technology to enhance operational efficiency and customer experience across all retail channels. This executive drives innovation in digital platforms and data analytics to support business objectives and maintain a competitive edge. By managing the technology roadmap, Christie Koorts ensures that Woolworths remains at the forefront of digital advancements in the retail sector. The Chief Information Officer's strategic guidance is crucial for optimizing systems and driving technological solutions that support the company's growth and operational resilience.

    Raygana Isaacs - Chief Revenue Officer & Specialist

    Raygana Isaacs, the Chief Revenue Officer & Specialist at Woolworths, drives strategies to maximize revenue generation and optimize sales performance across the company's various retail segments. Isaacs focuses on identifying new revenue streams, enhancing customer lifetime value, and developing effective sales and marketing initiatives. This executive works closely with divisional leaders to ensure cohesive revenue-generating strategies are implemented effectively. By analyzing market demand and customer behavior, Raygana Isaacs shapes initiatives that directly contribute to top-line growth. The Chief Revenue Officer & Specialist's expertise is critical in navigating market complexities and achieving ambitious financial targets for Woolworths.

    Nellie Batwa - Chief Information Officer, PA To The

    Nellie Batwa, the Chief Information Officer, PA To The at Woolworths, oversees critical aspects of the company's information technology infrastructure and strategic support functions. Batwa is instrumental in managing technology projects, ensuring system integrity, and supporting the Chief Information Officer in driving digital initiatives. This executive focuses on enhancing operational efficiency through effective IT solutions and data management. By collaborating with various departments, Nellie Batwa ensures technology strategies align with business goals. The Chief Information Officer, PA To The's role is vital in maintaining the technological backbone that supports Woolworths' diverse retail operations and future growth.
    Nellie Batwa

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Woolworths Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Woolworths?
    Woolworths is led by Hans Jilek (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Samuel Ngumeni (Group Chief Executive Officer) and Zaid Manjra (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Woolworths’s executive team?
    The executive team of Woolworths includes leaders such as Hans Jilek (Chief Executive Officer), Samuel Ngumeni (Group Chief Executive Officer), Zaid Manjra (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Woolworths have?
    Woolworths has 8 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Woolworths’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Woolworths includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Group Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Woolworths Food, Chief Financial Officer, Wventures.