Viva Energy Taps Former Myer Exec Teresa Sando as Retail CEO

Why It Matters

The appointment targets a turnaround of a declining fuel‑convenience business, a critical profit centre for Viva Energy, and signals intensified competition in Australia’s retail fuel market.

Key Takeaways

• Rendo brings 25+ years retail leadership experience
• Viva Energy's convenience sales fell 11.4% YoY
• CEO vacancy followed Jevan Bouzo's September resignation
• Focus on customer experience and top‑line growth
• Rendo to replace interim CEO Jennifer Gray in July

Pulse Analysis

Viva Energy’s convenience and mobility arm has long been a bellwether for the broader Australian fuel retail sector, where margins are increasingly tied to ancillary sales rather than fuel alone. After a year‑over‑year decline of 11.4%, the business faced pressure to reinvent its store formats, product mix, and digital engagement. The leadership gap left by former CEO Jevan Bouzo compounded the challenge, prompting the board to seek a seasoned retail strategist capable of accelerating transformation.

Teresa Rendo’s résumé reads like a masterclass in multi‑brand retail management, from steering Big W’s discount operations to overseeing Myer’s apparel portfolio. Her expertise in merchandising, supply chain optimization, and customer‑centric innovation aligns with Viva Energy’s need to boost foot traffic and increase average transaction values. By leveraging data‑driven insights and modern loyalty programs, Rendo can reposition the company’s 1,200‑plus service stations as destination convenience hubs rather than mere fuel stops.

Industry observers view the move as a litmus test for how traditional energy firms adapt to evolving consumer habits. Successful execution could lift Viva Energy’s earnings, strengthen its market share against rivals like Caltex and BP, and set a precedent for integrating retail best practices into legacy fuel networks. Conversely, a sluggish rollout may reinforce the narrative that fuel‑centric operators struggle to compete with pure‑play convenience chains, prompting further strategic reassessments across the sector.