From stacking shelves to CEO of leading retail chain

The head of one of Australia's leading retail chains will speak at the first QUT Business Leaders' Forum for 2013.

Woolworths managing director and CEO Grant O'Brien, who started his career at Woolworths as part of the night-fill team in Hobart, will outline Woolworths' plans for the future.

In a career spanning 25 years, Mr O'Brien has risen through the Woolworths ranks, becoming general manager of the liquor division and chief operating officer of supermarkets before achieving his current position as CEO.

Over this time Woolworths' position as Australia's leading retailer has been challenged by strong competition in food, liquor and general merchandise by domestic and international players.

Mr O'Brien will address issues such as price deflation and the growth of online retailing as well as provide information on Woolworths' current investment program and the rollout of the new Masters Home Improvement chain.

Leading Australian journalist Kerry O'Brien will once again act as moderator for the QUT Business Leaders' Forum.

Tickets are on sale online from today, Monday, January 14, and can be purchased at www.bus.qut.edu.au/blf

Date: Thursday February 21
Time: Noon - 2pm
Location: Grand Ballroom, Hilton Hotel, Brisbane
Cost: $155 per person or $1450 per table of 10
Organisation: QUT Business School www.qut.edu.au/business

Media contact: Rose Trapnell, QUT media team leader, 07 3138 2361 or 0407 585 901 rose.trapnell@qut.edu.au