New Zealand home improvement retailer Mitre 10 has appointed its COO Andrea Scown as its new CEO.

Scown will succeed Chris Wilesmith, who has resigned due to the uncertainty around the ability to base himself in the New Zealand office due to the Covid-19 pandemic. 

“A standout CEO, Chris has had a very positive impact on the co-operative and led the business with distinction,” the company said in a statement. 

This appointment also marks the company’s first internal appointment made to the CEO position and the first time the co-operative will have a woman chief executive. 

“[Scown] has an intimate knowledge of all parts of the business and a real passion for the co-operative model,” the company said in a statement. “She is a strong and authentic leader who has developed excellent relationships with members and their teams.”

Joined Mitre 10 in 2017 as general manager retail operations, Scown was appointed as the company’s chief operating officer last year.