David Jones has appointed Erica Berchtold as its new chief executive officer, effective immediately, replacing Scott Fyfe.
Berchtold, who was previously the chief commercial officer at the company since mid-2025, is now the first female CEO in the department store's 188-year history.
She grew The Iconic into a major online retailer in Australia and New Zealand and served as managing director of Rebel Sport.
"It is a tremendous honour to be appointed CEO of David Jones, one of Australia’s most iconic retail brands with a proud 188-year history," said Berchtold.
"I plan to lead our incredible team of people with decisive and results-oriented action."
Image: Erica Berchtold
Fyfe said he and the board had agreed to conclude his tenure as part of a planned leadership transition.
"The board of David Jones and I have reached a mutual agreement to conclude my tenure as chief executive officer of David Jones as part of a management succession plan," he said.
"Over the past five and a half years, it has been an honour to lead the business through some of the most challenging times, starting with COVID, through a change of ownership and significant transformation across the business, delivering growth."
"I am proud of the culture and values that we have established and all of our achievements."
Berchtold’s appointment has also been accompanied by the announcement of a refinancing plan between David Jones' owner, Anchorage Capital and Hilco Capital.
"The refinancing allows us to stabilise and reset the business with a strong focus on growing our strategic core and modernising our technology and digital platforms," added Berchtold.
"My aim is to further improve customer experience by curating our brand so that our strategy is aligned with our core values and the needs of our customers."
Can you shop via David Jones here.
Image credit: David Jones
