Woolworths has made a raft of changes to its management structure as part of its plan to “simplify the business and create clear accountability lines and responsibilities”.

As exclusively revealed on Retail Week Online on Wednesday, the pick ‘n’ mix retailer has created a retail operations board chaired by chief executive Steve Johnson. He will be joined by two recruits – Simon Singleton, who joins as retail director and worked alongside Johnson at Focus, and new group chief financial officer Robert McDonald, the replacement for Stephen East.

Director of property Colin Carter, director of business development James Collins and director of corporate finance David Roberts are also leaving the retailer. Last week directors Simon Turner and Claire Tiney also left the business.