BWS boss Scott Davidson to step down in November just before Jayne Hrdlicka’s arrival at Endeavour

The boss of BWS, the liquor chain owned by Endeavour Group, will step down after more than five years in the top job.

Scott Davidson will remain in the role for the Christmas-trade planning period and will leave the company at the end of November.

Endeavour — which also owns Dan Murphy’s and hundreds of pubs and hotels across the country under the ALH banner — said a process would commence for succession.

Mr Davidson’s departure will come just months before former Virgin Airlines boss Jayne Hrdlicka formally starts as managing director and chief executive of Endeavour on January 1.

Endeavour executive chair Ari Mervis on Thursday said Mr Davidson had made an enormous contribution to the group as BWS’ inaugural managing director following its demerger from Woolworths in 2021.

“On behalf of the board, I offer my thanks and appreciation to Scott for his leadership of BWS, Australiaʼs largest and most convenient drinks retailer,” Mr Mervis said.

“Scott led a progressive transformation agenda across eCommerce, in-store retail renewal and marketing and partnerships at BWS, and we wish him well for the future.ˮ

Mr Davidson said after an association with Endeavour that stretched back to roles with ALH in 2005, he had decided now was the right time to hand the baton to drive the next phase of growth at BWS.

“For more than five years I have had the privilege to lead the dedicated and passionate BWS team that serves communities right across Australia,” Mr Davidson said.

Endeavour announced in April Ms Hrdlicka would replace Steve Donohue as chief executive.

Endeavour shares were down 1.3 per cent to $4.10 just before 2pm on Thursday.