Paul Zahra is a leading figure of Australian retail having worked in the industry for more than 35 years in senior executive and non-executive roles and as a company advisor.

He is passionate about retail and his broad experience in the sector commenced with his first role as a casual shop assistant at Target Sunshine aged 16 and saw him promoted to become Target’s youngest ever store manager at age 22. Paul went on to hold senior leadership roles at Target, Officeworks and David Jones where he rose through the ranks to become CEO.

As CEO and Managing Director of David Jones, Paul led a transformation of the business from a traditional retailer to a contemporary omni-channel retailer, delivering improved sales momentum and financial stability during the worst retail conditions in 25 years.

Most recently Paul has been advising companies and boards of start-ups, small businesses and private equity in the Arts, Education and Retail sectors on a range of areas including leadership, disruptive change, digital transformation, and diversity and inclusion. He is a Non-Executive Director of Aesthetics Australia and Chair of The Pinnacle Foundation.

A champion of diversity and inclusion in the workplace, Paul has led numerous high profile LGBTI campaigns and initiatives. He also served as Chair of PwC’s Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Board, where he was instrumental in developing the firm’s diversity and inclusion strategy.

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