Why Woolworths liquor business BWS is employing thousands of new chief executives

Executives at liquor operation BWS are taking a step back and putting store staff in charge of realising the strategic direction of the business after its owner, troubled supermarket giant Woolworths, flagged beverages as a key part of the company’s return to strength.

In August Woolworths posted a $1.23 billion loss in a year that senior management described as disappointing and extremely challenging. At the company’s annual general meeting in November, chief executive Brad Banducci highlighted the company’s Endeavour Drinks Group, which includes BWS and Dan Murphy’s, as one of the only bright spots in a tumultuous year.