Newsmaker – Archie Norman

Wesfarmers Ltd has appointed British supermarket baron and former Conservative Party MP, Archie Norman, as an adviser to develop a turnaround plan for the Coles Group Ltd businesses, particularly its supermarkets. Mr Norman was credited with turning around Britain’s flagging Asda grocery chain. Mr Norman will join the board overseeing Coles’ food, liquor and convenience businesses if the takeover goes ahead as planned. He will commence consulting with Wesfarmers immediately, through his management company, Aurigo Management Partners, and will also assist in the recruitment of senior executives to supplement the Coles group.