Wesfarmers adds Kate Munnings to the board

Wesfarmers has added Kate Munnings to the board as its new non-executive director from this August.

Wesfarmers new non-executive director, Kate Munnings

On Tuesday, the major retailer announced Munnings will stand for election at the Wesfarmers Annual General Meeting, set to be held at the end of October, bringing the total number of board member to 11. 

Taking to LinkedIn Munnings said it was “an honour to have the opportunity to contribute to this iconic Australian company”.

In an official company statement [pdf] Munnings said, “I look forward to joining Wesfarmers and contributing the insights I have gained from my diverse experiences, particularly most recently within the health sector.”

Wesfarmers chairman Michael Chaney said, “Kate brings a unique blend of experience that will complement the capabilities on our board and aligns with our focus on delivering shareholder value over the long term.

“Her background in healthcare will be particularly valuable as Wesfarmers continues to develop its health division,” Chaney said.

According to the Wesfarmers statement, Munnings holds “a career spanning a diverse range of roles, professions and industries.”

“Notably, Ms Munnings has a background in healthcare and services, having commenced her career as a registered nurse before studying law, practising as a lawyer and working in senior executive and board positions in healthcare organisations,” the statement said.

Munnings was managing director and chief executive officer of Virtus Health for around three years, a provider of assisted reproductive services listed on the ASX before a take-private acquisition in 2022.

For roughly four years, Munnings was chief operating officer of Ramsay Health Care and led the operational performance of its Australian hospitals and community centres.

Munnings also has prior board experience, with roles as director of the Ramsay Hospital Research Foundation and non-executive director of the South East Sydney Local Health District.

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