Latest news with #RoyBagattini
The South African
05-07-2025
- Business
- The South African
The new Woolworths Food Emporium is turning heads. Where is it?
For local foodies, the long wait is over. Woolworths has officially opened its doors to its Food Emporium. With this new flagship store, Woolies plans to usher in a fresh era of food retail focused on innovation, sustainability, and customer experience. The Food Emporium can be found at The Village Square in Durbanville, Cape Town. 'This new Food Emporium is a real step change for us,' Woolies Group CEO Roy Bagattini said. 'We are here to affirm our leadership in food retailing, redefinine the future of food shopping in a way that truly reflects who we are, and what we believe in.' The revamped store is designed to raise the bar in food shopping by offering an inspiring, seamless, and proudly-South African experience. 'Nothing in the new Woolworths Food Emporium is by chance,' added Woolworths Foods CEO Sam Ngumeni. 'The store is led by passionate Woolies staff and specialists, all of whom are committed to supporting and connecting with customers during their every visit.' The new Emporium at The Village Square is also centred around sustainability. This includes energy-efficient technology, waste reduction systems, and recyclable packaging. It is all part of Woolworths' vision to become one of the world's most responsible retailers. Florist Counter: Custom-made bouquets, wrapped by an on-site expert. Our Kitchen: A premium food counter offering crowd favourites, ready meals, and live cooking demos with tasters and shoppable ingredients. Fishmonger: A wider range of responsibly-sourced seafood, including fresh oysters, filleting, and prep services. Butcher Counter: Expanded meat selection including wagyu, with expert advice from the in-store butcher. Bakery & Patisserie: Paris-worthy pastries, artisanal breads, and bespoke gift boxes. Superior Pantry Experience: Divided into international cuisines (Italian, Mexican, and more) and designed to inspire home cooking. Confectionery Alcove: Regularly-updated displays of Woolies treats and party ideas. Wine Alcove: Curated local and international wines, with exclusive WCellar picks. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
TimesLIVE
30-06-2025
- Business
- TimesLIVE
Woolworths scales up support to empower SA entrepreneurs
In celebration of Youth Month, Woolworths' Inclusive Justice Initiative has proudly announced that its successful Youth Makers competition will return for a second season. This innovative contest invites dynamic young entrepreneurs aged 18-35 to apply for a tailor-made empowerment programme that will give them an opportunity to take their enterprises to the next level. Winners will receive once-in-a-lifetime mentorship from Woolies experts, bespoke leadership and retail guidance, and a whopping R125,000 in grant funding to help each business scale and succeed in the retail world. The programme is designed to lay strong foundations for retail success and long-term business sustainability. This exciting announcement comes shortly after the launch of the Woolworths Inclusive Justice Institute, a major milestone for the business and a powerful new initiative. The institute will unlock market access opportunities, enable inclusion, and address inequality through support for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and impactful community programmes that address food security and contribute to quality basic education. 'Our purpose as a business has always been to add quality to life — not only for our customers but also in the communities where we operate,' said Woolworths Group CEO Roy Bagattini. 'The launch of the Inclusive Justice Institute aligns with our vision to be one of the world's most responsible retailers. It underscores our deep commitment to enabling meaningful social justice outcomes in SA.' The launch of the Inclusive Justice Institute aligns with our vision to be one of the world's most responsible retailers. It underscores our deep commitment to enabling meaningful social justice outcomes in SA Woolworths Group CEO Roy Bagattini As part of the institute's establishment, Woolworths has doubled its MSME fund to R200m. In the spirit of collaboration for inclusive growth, Land and Agricultural Development Bank of SA (Land Bank) has committed an additional R100m in funding for emerging farmers — bringing the total funding to R300m. The institute is home to two dedicated nonprofit companies, the Enterprise Inclusive Justice Institute (EIJI) and the Community Inclusive Justice Institute (CIJI). The EIJI will drive MSME development and economic inclusion and play a key role in nurturing MSMEs into sustainable businesses. The CIJI will focus on strengthening Woolworths' social impact programmes aimed at addressing food security, quality basic education, and community resilience — all crucial pillars of economic inclusion and long-term impact. Speaking at the launch event, minister of small business development Stella Ndabeni praised the initiative: 'The Woolworths Inclusive Justice Institute points us in the right direction. It's a practical demonstration of how a leading retailer can empower small enterprises. A vision like this resonates with everything we stand for — and Woolworths has a partner in us.' Zinzi Mgolodela, Woolworths director of Corporate Social Justice, highlighted how the institute builds on the retailer's long-standing socioeconomic development work. 'Our support for MSMEs has stimulated economic growth by helping beneficiaries expand and create employment. Through partnerships with NGOs, we've helped communities grow food and achieve self-sufficiency, while our education programmes continue to uplift under-resourced schools, promote child safety, and empower young learners to reach their potential.' Mgolodela added: 'The youth hold the key to SA's future, and we're proud to be investing in their potential. Empowering young entrepreneurs not only changes individual lives — it transforms communities and strengthens the broader economy.'
The South African
15-06-2025
- Business
- The South African
Woolworths CEO's salary highlights shocking staff pay gap
Woolworths CEO Roy Bagattini has come under renewed scrutiny after selling 700 000 shares in the company over three days, netting more than R38.4 million – an amount over 410 times more than what Woolworths' lowest-paid employee earns in an entire year . The lowest-paid full-time worker at Woolworths earns R93 600 per year, according to data from shareholder advocacy group Just Share . In comparison, Bagattini earned R38 million in just three days . Bagattini's share sale : 10 June : R23.17 million 11 June : R6.15 million 12 June : R9.12 million Total : R38 438 665 : Entry-level Woolworths employee annual wage: That means Bagattini earned in one hour what the average entry-level employee would need almost two years to make – assuming a 40-hour workweek. This is not the first time Bagattini's earnings have drawn attention. In the 2023 financial year, he received R122 million in total remuneration – 1 308 times more than the company's lowest-paid staff. Though that dropped to R65.3 million in 2024, criticism has remained strong, especially amid South Africa's worsening cost-of-living crisis. 'It is crucial to recognise the contribution of the extreme vertical wage gaps which characterise these companies to the country's overall high levels of inequality,' said Kwanele Ngogela, senior inequality analyst at Just Share . At the company's 2024 Annual General Meeting, more than a third of Woolworths shareholders voted against its remuneration policy – the second year in a row the retailer failed to achieve the 75% approval threshold needed to pass its pay structure unopposed. Bagattini's R38 million cash-out has further amplified calls for executive pay reform, with critics arguing that the company's pay structure is out of step with the economic reality of most South Africans. Although Woolworths says the sale was part of a portfolio rebalancing strategy, the optics of a CEO pocketing millions while lower-level employees earn less than R8 000 a month have drawn ire from labour groups, civil society organisations, and shareholders alike. At the time of publication, Woolworths had not issued a public response to the backlash over Bagattini's share sale or the widening income gap it represents. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
13-06-2025
- Business
- The South African
Woolworths CEO Roy Bagattini nets R38 million amid pay controversy
Woolworths CEO Roy Bagattini has sold 700 000 shares in the company in a series of transactions that netted him over R38.4 million, according to a SENS announcement released by South African retail giant. The transactions took place over three consecutive days: 10 June: 419 966 shares sold for R23.17 million 419 966 shares sold for 11 June: 111 664 shares sold for R6.15 million 111 664 shares sold for 12 June: 168 370 shares sold for R9.12 million The company stated that the share sales formed part of a portfolio rebalancing strategy, with Bagattini engaging in on-market sales. Bagattini, who took the helm at Woolworths in February 2020 after serving as President of the Americas at Levi Strauss & Co., has become a prominent figure in the ongoing national debate about executive pay and income inequality in South Africa. The CEO's latest share sale comes as Woolworths continues to face growing criticism over its remuneration policies, especially at a time when many South Africans are grappling with rising living costs and stagnant wages. According to shareholder advocacy group Just Share , Bagattini received R122 million in total compensation in 2023, making his pay 1 308 times higher than Woolworths' lowest-paid employee, who earns R93 600 annually. In 2024, Bagattini's remuneration was cut to R65.3 million, a 47.7% decline, largely due to challenges facing the company's apparel operations in South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia. However, this figure still sparked backlash at the group's 2024 Annual General Meeting, where over a third of shareholders voted against the group's remuneration policy. This was the second consecutive year that Woolworths failed to meet the 75% approval threshold required to pass its pay policy unopposed. While the vote was non-binding, it signaled deep concern among investors about excessive executive compensation, particularly in a company battling retail headwinds. 'It is crucial to recognise the contribution of the extreme vertical wage gaps which characterise these companies to the country's overall high levels of inequality,' said Kwanele Ngogela, senior inequality analyst at Just Share. Although the CEO's share sale represents only a portion of his total wealth, the amount exceeds what many Woolworths employees may earn in a lifetime, adding fuel to an already heated national conversation. At the time of publishing, Woolworths had not issued a statement responding to public concern regarding the transaction or the broader debate about executive pay. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
West Australian
05-06-2025
- Business
- West Australian
Country Road Chief executive Raju Vuppalapati announces resignation amid tanking sales, internal culture issues
The boss of Country Road has quit a year after a scandal concerning the behaviour of executives and a steep downturn in sales. Chief executive Raju Vuppalapati announced on Wednesday he would depart, following four years in charge. Country Road is owned by South African conglomerate Woolworths Holdings, which also owns Mimco, Witchery, Politix and Trenery. 'It has been a privilege to lead our passionate team and iconic brands. I know that I am leaving Country Road Group well positioned to pursue its next chapter with compelling strategies, a strengthened culture and clear pathway to reignite profitable growth,' Mr Vuppalapati said in a statement. Audio of a tense staff meeting in 2024 was obtained by The Australian, where Mr Vuppalapati was heckled by staff over sexual harassment and bullying allegations within the company. Woolworths Holdings chief executive Roy Bagattini said Mr Vuppalapati was leaving the business in a 'foundationally much stronger position'. 'Raju and I have had ongoing discussions regarding his intent to leave CRG to pursue his personal interests,' he wrote. 'After thoughtful consideration, Raju has decided that now is the right time for him to do that.' Mr Vuppalapati will leave the company at the end of August or 'until such time as the new CEO is appointed'. Country Road called in a consulting firm to repair the company culture, two executives resigned and the Woolworths Holdings chief executive Roy Bagattini flew in from South Africa to the Melbourne offices to hear details of the allegations. Woolworths Holdings sold department store David Jones in 2022 for $120m, but retained ownership of the Country Road Group. The clothing business has been struggling to attract shoppers. Country Road's operating profit fell 70 per cent in the second half of 2024, following a 66 per cent dip in the 2023/24 financial year.
