Super Retail Group executive update (ASX: SUL) reflects a key change to the management of its Supercheap Auto business, with Benjamin Ward stepping aside from his role as Managing Director, effective immediately on 11 November 2025. The news comes as the retail giant operates amid a tough consumer environment, but continues to be Australia’s largest specialty automotive and outdoor retailer.
Figure 1: Benjamin Ward, who stepped down as Managing Director of Supercheap Auto
Ben McConnell, who currently holds the title of Supercheap Auto General Manager Retail Operations, has been appointed as Interim Managing Director. Super Retail Group says it will conduct an internal and external executive search process to find Ward’s successor. The Super Retail Group executive update is pivotal for Super Retail Group’s auto arm, which comprises 352 outlets in Australia and New Zealand and saw sales of AUD 1.53 billion during the year
Leadership Transition Follows Mixed Performance Period
The SUL interim CEO appointment addresses immediate operational needs at Supercheap Auto, which delivered a challenging financial result during FY25 despite improved second-half performance. Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Paul Bradshaw acknowledges Ward’s contribution whilst expressing confidence in the transition plan.
Figure 2: FY25 results show sales up 2.1%
Supercheap Auto achieved like-for-like sales growth of just 0.3% for FY25, significantly trailing the Group’s other brands. The division’s segment profit before tax fell 3.0% to AUD 196.9 million, with the profit margin also shrinking by 60 basis points to 12.9%. Momentum increased throughout the period. However, with second-half like-for-like growth of 0.7% and performance in the fourth quarter improved significantly.
McConnell Brings Operational Expertise to Interim Role
Ben McConnell assumes leadership with extensive operational knowledge of the Supercheap Auto business model. The division recently launched its new “Spend & Get” loyalty programme on 01 July 2025, replacing the previous Best Price Credit scheme. The initiative delivers AUD 5 credit for every AUD 100 spent, positioning Supercheap Auto’s offering as 2 to 10 times more generous than core competitors whilst remaining gross margin neutral.
The Super Retail Group CEO news arrives as the automotive division maintains a record club member net promoter score performance and achieved 600,000 additional active club members during the 12 months. Active club membership grew by 11%, with club members now representing 72% of total sales, up 3 percentage points from the prior period.
Industry Outlook: Automotive Aftermarket Remains Competitive
The automotive aftermarket in Australia continues to face high competitive pressure, with discretionary categories most affected. But automotive service categories are holding their own with robust growth in 12-volt power and car batteries, wiper blades and serviceable parts. The industry benefits from an aging vehicle fleet in need of continuous repair, but restrictions on consumer spending weigh on transaction volumes. E-commerce penetration is ramping in the category. Supercheap Auto’s online sales of AUD 125 million represent 8.2% of total sales.
Network Expansion Delivers Growth Despite Margin Pressure
Supercheap Auto’s network expansion strategy delivered growth during FY25, with 11 new store openings, three extensions and four relocations, bringing the total store count to 352 locations as on 28 June 2025. The division achieved like-for-like sales growth of 0.7% in Australia, partially offset by a 2.7% decline in New Zealand, though both regions demonstrated improved momentum in the second half.
Figure 4: Supercheap Auto operates 352 stores across Australia and New Zealand as at 28 June 2025
Gross margin expanded 30 basis points despite the promotional environment, with the Company continuing to focus on pricing discipline and profitability over market share. Operating expenses increased as a percentage of sales due to network expansion costs, contributing to the 60-basis-point year-over-year profit margin decline. The division recorded a 14.3% EBIT margin for the period.
FY26 Trading Update Shows Positive Momentum
Early FY26 trading demonstrates encouraging momentum for Supercheap Auto under the transitional leadership announced in the Super Retail Group executive update. The division delivered like-for-like sales growth of 3.3% for the first seven weeks, cycling 4% growth in the prior corresponding period. Total sales grew 5.3% during this period, supported by network expansion.
Figure 5: SUL share price performance over the past six months
Super Retail Group shares trade at AUD 15.920, with the Company commanding a market capitalisation of AUD 3.61 billion. The stock has traded within a 52-week range of AUD 12.060 to AUD 20.200 per share. The Group confirmed a full-year ordinary dividend of 66 cents per share plus a special dividend of 30 cents per share for FY25.
Also Read: https://colitco.com/senate-government-shutdown-deal-progress-november-2025/
Final Thoughts
The Super Retail Group executive update reflects the Company’s commitment to maintaining operational excellence during leadership transitions. Ben McConnell’s appointment as SUL interim CEO provides continuity for Supercheap Auto whilst the Company conducts a comprehensive executive search. The division’s improved second-half momentum, successful launch of the Spend & Get loyalty programme, and continued network expansion position the business for recovery despite near-term margin pressures. With the broader Super Retail Group delivering positive like-for-like growth and maintaining strong customer engagement metrics across its portfolio, the automotive division’s leadership transition occurs from a position of operational strength rather than crisis.
FAQs
Who is the new Interim Managing Director at Supercheap Auto?
Ben McConnell, General Manager Retail Operations at Supercheap Auto, has been appointed Interim Managing Director following Benjamin Ward’s resignation effective 11 November 2025.
Why did Benjamin Ward resign from Supercheap Auto?
Super Retail Group announced Benjamin Ward’s resignation as Managing Director of Supercheap Auto, effective immediately on 11 November 2025, with the Company pursuing future opportunities. No specific reasons were detailed in the announcement.
How did Supercheap Auto perform in FY25?
Supercheap Auto generated sales of AUD 1.53 billion with 0.3% like-for-like growth, though profit before tax declined 3.0% to AUD 196.9 million with margin contracting 60 basis points to 12.9%.
What is Super Retail Group’s new Spend & Get loyalty programme?
Launched on 01 July 2025, Spend & Get provides AUD 5 credit for every AUD 100 spent with a 28-day expiry, replacing the previous Best Price Credit scheme whilst remaining gross margin neutral.
How many stores does Supercheap Auto operate?
Supercheap Auto operates 352 stores across Australia and New Zealand as at 28 June 2025, following 11 new openings, three extensions and four relocations during FY25.
