Sam Ngumeni
Retail executive and group chief executive
By South African Index Editorial Desk · Published · Last reviewed
Sam Ngumeni became Woolworths Holdings group chief executive on 1 June 2026. He previously held senior roles across its retail and financial-services businesses. [2][3]
Biography
Ngumeni joined the Woolworths group almost three decades before his group chief executive appointment. He became an executive director in 2014. [2]
His earlier posts included chief executive of Woolworths Financial Services, chief operating officer and chief executive of the Food business. [2]
Roy Bagattini retired at the end of May 2026. Ngumeni became group chief executive with effect from 1 June 2026. [3]
The role gives Ngumeni management responsibility. It does not establish personal ownership of the listed company or its operating subsidiaries. [2][1]
Key contributions
Led Woolworths Financial Services and the Food business before becoming group chief executive. [2]
Served as a WHL executive director from 2014 and became group chief executive in June 2026. [2][3]
Life and career timeline
Frequently asked questions
Who is the Woolworths Holdings group chief executive?
Sam Ngumeni has served as group chief executive since 1 June 2026. [2][3]
Did Sam Ngumeni lead Woolworths Financial Services?
Yes. His official biography lists chief executive of Woolworths Financial Services among his earlier roles. [2]
Related people
Associated organisations
Related research
Sources
- Woolworths Holdings, Information statement: group history, structure and Woolworths Financial Services arrangements, 2025-11-28. Original source. Accessed 2026-10-22. ↩
- Woolworths Holdings, Directorate: Sam Ngumeni. Original source. Accessed 2026-10-22. ↩
- Woolworths Holdings, Summary of the audited group results for the 52 weeks ended 28 June 2026, 2026-09-02. Original source. Accessed 2026-10-22. ↩