Endeavour chief executive Steve Donohue to exit after 30 years with liquor and pubs group

Endeavour Group chief executive Steve Donohue will step down after 30 years with the company, including more than six years in the top job.

Endeavour owns 275 Dan Murphy’s stores, 1450 BWS shops and more than 300 hotels across the country.

During his tenure as CEO, Mr Donohue oversaw Endeavour’s demerger from Woolworth’s liquor division and listing on the ASX in June 2021 and led the business through an uncertain operating environment during the COVID-19 pandemic.

He also steered the company through a prolonged public spat with billionaire pub baron and Endeavour’s largest shareholder Bruce Mathieson.

His exit comes as the liquor and pubs group grapples with value-conscious consumers amid cost-of-living pressures. Endeavour recently reported a 3.2 per cent fall in annual profit.

In a statement on Friday, Endeavour chair Ari Mervis said Mr Donohue was a “rare” CEO who rose from the shop floor to the top job and would leave behind a significant legacy with the business.

“His passion and drive is known throughout the company as well as the broader industry,” he said.

“Steve has a track record of success through a range of roles, and I wish to pay special tribute to his leadership of the organisation and his passionate commitment to making Endeavour a success.ˮ

Mr Donohue began as a summer casual in the second Dan Murphy’s store in Alphington, Victoria, in 1994 before quickly rising through the ranks to take on a range of leadership roles across Endeavour and Woolworths. He was ultimately appointed as Endeavour CEO.

“Six years after we created Endeavour Group and with the strategy and culture well established as an independent company, now is the right time for me to pass the baton on to the next leader,” Mr Donohue said.

“I take great pride in the achievements of the company during my time as CEO and thank everyone at Woolworths and Endeavour who has supported me over many years.

“Together, we have created the leading company for social occasions, with unrivalled brands and hospitality venues.ˮ

The board is engaging external advisors as part of a comprehensive process to identify a new CEO.

Mr Donohue will remain in his position while the process is undertaken to assist with an orderly transition.

Endeavour shares closed down 2.5 per cent to $4.99 on Friday.