Raju Vuppalapati, Chief Executive Officer of Country Road Group (CRG), has announced he will step down from his role at the end of August 2025 to pursue personal interests, concluding a four-year tenure marked by both transformation and turbulence at the prominent Australian fashion retailer.

Vuppalapati, who joined CRG in 2021, oversaw the management and repositioning of the group’s brands—including Country Road, Witchery, Trenery, Mimco and Politix—as well as the group’s return to department store Myer.

Reflecting on his departure, he described the role as an “honour and a privilege.”

“It has been a privilege to lead our passionate team and iconic brands,” he said in a statement.

“I know that I am leaving Country Road Group well-positioned to pursue its next chapter with compelling strategies, a strengthened culture and a clear pathway to reignite profitable growth.”

His resignation comes during a period of ongoing leadership changes at CRG. In recent years, several senior brand and group executives have exited the business. These changes have occurred in the context of a challenging retail environment and internal restructuring aimed at revitalising the group’s performance.

It is reported that while the company did not comment directly on reports of internal tensions, it acknowledged that maintaining strong workplace culture had been a priority.

Woolworths Holdings, the South Africa-based parent company of CRG, expressed its appreciation for Vuppalapati’s contributions. Chief Executive Roy Bagattini credited him with spearheading a major transformation that has reshaped the business for future growth.

“The business transformation has been one of the most pivotal strategic initiatives undertaken by the group,” said Bagattini.

“Raju leaves the company in a foundationally much stronger position.”

The group reported a 6.2 per cent decline in sales in the first half of the 2024–25 financial year, while profit margins have been impacted by broader economic and operational headwinds. In 2024, he described the conditions as a “perfect storm” facing the retail sector.

Founded in 1974, Country Road is a mainstay of the Australian fashion scene, known for its modern, minimalist aesthetic. The company has yet to announce his successor, although recruitment for a new CEO is understood to be underway. In the meantime, CRG will continue to implement its strategic roadmap and focus on stabilising performance across its brand portfolio.

News Credits- The Australia Today