TECH-BASED INNOVATION
driving benefits realisation for the recent Google Chrome implementation that includes embedding a new level of productivity , capability and flexibility across all brands .
Woolworths planned all along to secure a tech expert , as it has previously been seen as a technology leader in the retail space . In addition , a Woolworths spokesperson said Whincup ’ s previous IT experiences will be invaluable to the company ’ s future technology plans .
While the gap has narrowed in recent times , Woolworths ’ success in implementing industry-leading supply chain systems as part of its Project Refresh in the latter part of the last ¬ decade had been seen as giving it a huge competitive advantage .
Last year , Woolies announced it was becoming one of Australia ’ s highestprofile corporations to migrate internal office staff to the Google Apps platform . Woolworths spokeswoman Claire Kimball confirmed the appointment and said Whincup would formulate plans for tech changes at the company .
“ Clive ’ s experience of retail in a banking context and his leadership of large-scale IT programs will be of great value to us in shaping the next phase of development of our technology journey . We look forward to welcoming Clive to our team in coming months ,” she said .
Woolworths has already reported that improved online operations have helped the company achieve AU $ 1 billion in online sales for the 2013 calendar year — ahead of its 2014 financial year target .
Woolworths ’ success in implementing industry-leading supply chain systems as part of its Project Refresh in the latter part of the last ¬ decade had been seen as giving it a huge competitive advantage .
“ Online sales from continuing operations increased more than 40 percent for the half year and second quarter , and featured strong growth within our food and liquor businesses as well as over the Christmas period ,” said Woolworths CEO Grant O ’ Brien at the company ’ s 2014 half-year sales results .
Prior to joining Woolworths , Whincup worked in a number of senior leadership positions in the financial services industry with Westpac Banking Corporation , Lloyds Banking Group , Banca Popolare di Milano , Bank of Scotland and CariVerona Banking Group ( Italy ).
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