Universal Store Holdings has announced the retirement of long-serving CEO Alice Barbery, with George Do stepping up as her successor from November 2026. Barbery will remain engaged as a Non-Executive Director and consultant, ensuring continuity amid leadership change.
- Alice Barbery to retire as CEO on 31 October 2026
- George Do appointed Group Managing Director and CEO from 1 November 2026
- Barbery to join the Board as Non-Executive Director in February 2027
- Do’s remuneration package includes $575,000 fixed pay plus incentives
- Do has over 20 years’ experience with Universal Store, currently CEO of key brands
Leadership Transition at Universal Store
Universal Store Holdings (ASX:UNI) is preparing for a significant leadership handover as Alice Barbery, the Group Managing Director and CEO for nearly a decade, steps down on 31 October 2026. Her successor, George Do, will assume the top role from 1 November, marking a planned and orderly transition within the company’s executive ranks.
Barbery’s departure as an executive leader concludes a 24-year association with the company, during which she has overseen key milestones including the expansion of the Universal Store retail banner, the launch of Perfect Stranger, and the acquisition of the CTC business. Her focus on nurturing company culture and internal talent has been highlighted by Chair Peter Birtles as foundational to the group’s success.
George Do’s Ascension and Role
George Do’s elevation to Group Managing Director and CEO follows a 20-year career at Universal Store, starting on the shop floor and progressing through buying and product leadership roles. Since March 2025, he has been CEO of Universal Store and Perfect Stranger, demonstrating capability in managing key brands within the group.
His remuneration package includes a total fixed remuneration of $575,000, with eligibility for short-term incentives up to 80% of fixed pay and long-term incentives up to 100% of fixed pay. This reflects the board’s confidence in his leadership and the strategic direction of the company.
Do’s appointment comes on the back of Universal Store’s strong recent performance, including a 14.2% sales increase and 23.2% rise in EBIT reported earlier this year. The company’s growth trajectory, supported by robust brand performances and a strategic store rollout, sets a challenging but promising stage for his leadership. This context is particularly relevant given the company’s recent strong youth fashion sales that have bolstered investor confidence.
Continued Involvement of Alice Barbery
While stepping down from executive duties, Barbery will remain closely involved with Universal Store. She is set to join the Board as a Non-Executive Director from 1 February 2027 and will provide consulting support to Do, especially in the ongoing development of the CTC business and its advisory board. This arrangement suggests a desire to maintain strategic continuity and leverage her deep institutional knowledge.
The board has emphasised that Barbery’s ongoing role will help sustain the company’s culture and operational momentum during this leadership change, which often presents risks for retail businesses navigating competitive markets.
Bottom Line?
Universal Store’s carefully staged CEO succession balances fresh leadership with continuity, but investors will watch closely how George Do steers growth amid evolving retail dynamics.
Questions in the middle?
- How will George Do’s leadership style influence Universal Store’s strategic priorities beyond current brand growth?
- What impact might Alice Barbery’s consulting role have on governance and decision-making post-transition?
- Will the company maintain its recent sales momentum amid broader retail sector challenges under new leadership?