Endeavour Group CEO Steve Donohue resigns

Steve Donohue has confirmed he will be stepping down from his position as Endeavour Group's CEO and Managing Director, a position he has held since 2018. In an announcement made to shareholders this morning, Endeavour Group said that both the Board and Donohue felt it was "the right time" for a new leader to take the Group into its next phase of growth.

"Six years after we created Endeavour Group and with the strategy and culture well established as an independent company, now is the right time for me to pass the baton on to the next leader," said Donohue.

"It has been an immense privilege to lead this company and to have been a part of this business for three decades."

Prior to assuming the top leadership position in 2018, Donoue had already been working within Endeavour Group’s structure for 24 years, first starting as a summer casual in the second Dan Murphy's store in Alphington Victoria in 1994: "Steve is a rare CEO who rose from the shop floor to the top job, and he will leave behind a significant legacy with Endeavour Group,” said Ari Mervis, who was appointed as Chairman in March.

Some of Donohue’s most notable achievements as CEO of include leading the amalgamation of joint venture ALH Hotels Group and Endeavour Drinks to form Endeavour Group in 2018 and subsequently navigating Endeavour Group through its demerger from Woolworths in 2021. Woolworth’s sold off its last remaining equity stake in the drinks business earlier this month.

"Steve has a track record of success through a range of roles, and I wish to pay special tribute to his leadership of the organisation and his passionate commitment to making Endeavour a success,” said Mervis.

Donohue added: "I take great pride in the achievements of the company during my time as CEO and thank everyone at Woolworths and Endeavour who has supported me over many years. Together, we have created the leading company for social occasions, with unrivalled brands and hospitality venues."

According to an announcement made to shareholders this morning, Steve Donohue will continue on as CEO while Endeavour Group’s Board searches for a suitable replacement.

"While Steve is remaining with the business as the CEO search progresses, on behalf of the Board I would like to extend my sincere thanks to him for his long service and commitment to Endeavour over many years," said Mervis.