Metcash names new CEOs for Total Tools, liquor units

The news: Wholesaler Metcash has named Richard Murray as the new boss of its Total Tools Holdings unit, while Kylie Wallbridge has been appointed CEO of the liquor business.

The numbers: Murray, who has previously served as CEO at JB Hi-Fi and Premier Investments, will take up his role at the end of January, replacing long-time Total Tools head Paul Dumbrell. Wallbridge, who is currently the UK managing director for drinks giant Diageo, will step into her new role in March.

The context: Metcash originally acquired a majority stake in Total Tools Holdings in 2020, before buying out the remaining stake in the franchisor to the country’s largest professional tools market last year. The company’s Independent Hardware Group also includes the Mitre 10 and Home Timber & Hardware brands. Metcash is also the largest broad-range liquor wholesaler and the largest supplier of liquor to independently owned liquor retailers in Australia, through a suite of brands including Cellarbrations, IGA Liquor and The Bottle-O.