Rowles said he was genuinely honoured to join Mitre 10.<\/p>\n
\u201cA business built on strong values, deep community roots, and an ownership model that gives real meaning to partnership,\u201d Rowles said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m really looking forward to getting out into stores, meeting members and teams, and learning what makes this co-operative so special. As a central Auckland resident, I regularly shop in several local stores and have seen first-hand the passion and care Mitre 10 teams bring to helping customers.\u201d<\/p>\n
Rowles said there was strong momentum behind the business, and with the foundations being strengthened through digital transformation, the business has great opportunity to harness the collective strength of the co-operative membership.<\/p>\n
As general manager of retail and property for Foodstuffs North Island, Rowles led a $10.75 billion retail business overseeing 330 owner-operated stores and a 200-strong support team.<\/p>\n
He will now take on Mitre 10\u2019s business, consisting of 86 locally owned stores with 7400 staff.<\/p>\n
Mitre 10 NZ board chairman Andrew Smith said the business was at a pivotal point in its journey.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe need innovation, leadership, and courage to stay ahead in a rapidly changing world. Lindsay is the right person to lead us through this next chapter, bringing strategic vision, proven results, and a great cultural fit for our co-operative,\u201d Smith said.<\/p>\n
The company\u2019s chief legal and sustainability officer, Grant Fraser, will continue as interim chief executive until Rowles begins in March.<\/p>\n
In the business\u2019s last full-year result it reported a net loss of $27 million, a 72% improvement on 2024, and increased revenue by 12% to $300m.<\/p>\n