Executive Search for Kmart's GM of Customer Experience, Analytics & Insights

Kmart Group, one of Australia’s largest and most iconic retailers, engaged Six Degrees Executive to recruit a General Manager of Customer Experience, Analytics and Insights. 

This was a pivotal role within the business, reporting directly to the Chief Customer Officer, and responsible for leading the Customer Data, Analytics and Insights teams to drive a complex transformation and customer led digital reinvention. 

Kmart needed a seasoned data and analytics leader who could seamlessly bridge the gap between technology and marketing while navigating a fast-paced retail environment. The ideal candidate had to be an established data science executive with a deep understanding of customer analytics, the ability to drive strategic transformation, and leadership experience in sophisticated retail businesses. 

THE CHALLENGE: 

The key challenges in this search included: 

• A niche skillset: The role required a unique blend of expertise in data, analytics, and AI-driven insights combined with customer experience and research 
  
• A global search: Given the scarcity of talent in this arena in Australia, we conducted an international search across the US, Europe, Asia, and New Zealand to identify candidates with the right experience. 
• Navigating a passive talent pool: In many cases the ideal candidates were not actively seeking new roles, requiring a targeted approach to position Kmart’s EVP and transformation journey as an attractive point of difference 
• Cultural fit: Kmart prioritises values-driven leadership and sought an executive who was strategic, commercial, yet humble and collaborative. 

OUR APPROACH: 

Our exclusive and retained partnership with Kmart enabled us to work closely with their leadership team, ensuring a precise, high-touch search process. 

Strategic briefing & market mapping

• We conducted multiple deep-dive sessions with the Chief Customer Officer and Head of Talent to refine the evolving scope of the role.
• Leveraging our executive search expertise, we mapped the global retail landscape, identifying top talent from leading retailers pioneering customer-led analytics. 

Targeted search & proactive engagement

• We activated our extensive executive network, directly reaching out to industry leaders known for shaping data-driven retail strategies
• We headhunted high-performing executives from major retailers worldwide, with a final shortlist that included three international candidates.
• Recognising that most candidates were in high-demand, passive roles, we focused on compelling EVP storytelling - positioning Kmart’s customer-led reinvention as a rare and exciting leadership opportunity. 

Collaborative selection & due diligence

• We worked in lockstep with Kmart, holding weekly WIP meetings to refine the shortlist, provide market insights, and ensure alignment.
• We supported Kmart with compensation benchmarking and executive assessment guidance, ensuring they remained competitive in securing top talent. 
• The rigorous selection process involved multiple interviews with Kmart’s executive leadership team, including CEO, and Wesfarmers’ Managing Director, ensuring a 360-degree cultural and strategic fit. 

RESULTS: 

Katrina Park and the team successfully placed a highly accomplished data and analytics executive, who will play a key role in delivering actionable insights and driving improvements in customer experience for Kmart Group 

With a deep background in data-driven business transformation, the successful candidate had: 

• Proven experience leading customer analytics, insights, and AI initiatives in major retail, logistics, and insurance businesses. 

• A track record of building high-performing teams and embedding a data-driven culture. 

• The strategic mindset to drive customer-led digital reinvention, aligning data insights with business growth. 

We established a trusted, long-term partnership with Kmart, reinforcing Six Degrees Executive’s position as the go-to executive search firm for leaders in data and transformation. Our ability to navigate a global talent market, engage high-calibre passive candidates, and deliver a values-aligned leader underscores our deep expertise in identifying and securing top industry talent. 

If you are looking to hire a C-suite or leadership role, please reach out to the team below for a chat.