Bunnings tech exec bounces into Tennis Australia as CTO

One of three product and technology heads at Bunnings, Ben Fitzgerald, is set to depart the Wesfarmers-owned hardware chain to take up a newly-created CTO role at Tennis Australia.

Fitzgerald is set to start the new role in July, Tennis Australia said in a statement.

He has been with Bunnings Group, which trades as Bunnings Warehouse, since 2013, and has held roles including head of the product and technology division, and head of digital.

Tennis Australia said it is looking to Fitzgerald to bring to life its own “digital and technological visions and capabilities”.

“Establishing a more digitally agile enterprise is a key focus for Tennis,” Tennis Australia Chief Operating Officer Tom Larner said in a statement.

Outside of Bunnings, Fitzgerald is also credited with overseeing the redesign and rebuild of Target’s e-commerce experience, and with re-developing the AFL website and 18 club websites across web and mobile.

Fitzgerald said he saw digital and technology “playing an increasingly important role in supporting fan engagement, increasing tennis participation, and shaping a more digital and agile” Tennis Australia organisation.

Fitzgerald is one of three executives at Bunnings that have the title of "product and technology head"; Ognjen Babic and Patrick Vartuli also have the same official title, but iTnews understands that all three have different focus areas in the retailer.