When did you take over from Joe Barberis and become managing director of Officeworks?
Mark Ward: I was appointed managing director on 26 November last year when Wesfarmers assumed control of the Coles group. Officeworks is now part of the Home Improvement and Office Supplies Division. I report to John Gillam who is the managing director of Bunnings Warehouse and of the division overall. OPI: What’s your professional background? MW: My background entails nearly 30 years in the home improvement industry starting out on the shop floor with McEwans. In 1993, Bunnings acquired that business and the Bunnings Warehouse chain of hardware superstores was developed. A year later, in 1994, Wesfarmers assumed full control of the Bunnings business. Before my current role, I was general manager of Australian operations, responsible to ensure that the stores executed the Bunnings strategy of lowest prices, widest range and best service. OPI: It’s only been a few months since the acquisition of Coles Myer. How far along has the integration process come as far as Officeworks in particul
