Why Is Viva Energy’s Convenience CEO Stepping Down Now?
Viva Energy announces the resignation of Jevan Bouzo as CEO of its Convenience and Mobility business, appointing Jennifer Gray as interim leader while searching for a permanent replacement.
- Jevan Bouzo resigns as Convenience and Mobility CEO, effective end of 2025
- Jennifer Gray, Group COO, appointed interim CEO to lead transition
- Search underway for new CEO with strong retail industry background
- Group CEO Scott Wyatt to oversee retail strategy execution
- No changes to company outlook or strategic priorities
Leadership Shift in Convenience and Mobility
Viva Energy Group Limited has announced a significant leadership change within its Convenience and Mobility (C&M) division. Jevan Bouzo, who has been at the helm of the C&M business for the past three years, will resign and depart by the end of 2025. His tenure included pivotal acquisitions such as Coles Express, OTR Group, and Liberty Convenience, which collectively established Viva Energy as Australia's largest convenience retail operator.
To ensure continuity, Jennifer Gray, currently the Group Chief Operating Officer, will step in as interim CEO of the C&M business. Gray brings over 25 years of retail experience within the fuel and convenience sector, including recent board representation at Liberty Convenience. Her appointment aims to maintain momentum during the transition period and the upcoming busy trading season.
Strategic Oversight and Future Direction
Group CEO Scott Wyatt will take direct accountability for the execution of the retail strategy during this leadership transition. Wyatt emphasized that the company’s strategic priorities and outlook remain unchanged, signaling confidence in the existing business trajectory despite the executive shuffle.
Additionally, the Retail Board Sub-Committee, chaired by independent non-executive director John Joyce, will provide enhanced oversight to support the C&M leadership team. This governance layer underscores Viva Energy’s commitment to stable and effective management during the leadership handover.
Implications of the Change
Bouzo’s departure follows the completion of critical integration work following major acquisitions, suggesting a natural inflection point for leadership renewal. His long-term equity program for 2024-28 will lapse fully, marking a clear break with past incentives tied to his leadership.
Investors and market watchers will be keenly observing the search for a new permanent CEO, particularly the company’s criteria and timeline for appointing a leader with deep retail expertise. The new CEO’s vision and execution capability will be pivotal in driving the next phase of growth and operational excellence for Viva Energy’s convenience retail operations.
Bottom Line?
Viva Energy’s leadership transition in Convenience and Mobility sets the stage for a new retail chapter, with investor focus shifting to the incoming CEO’s impact.
Questions in the middle?
- Who will be the frontrunner to succeed Jevan Bouzo as permanent C&M CEO?
- How will the new leadership influence Viva Energy’s retail growth and integration strategy?
- What timeline and criteria will guide the search for the new CEO?
