12 months after joining Big W CEO Pejman Okhovat has quite to take up a role in childcare.

The exit of a senior executive comes days out from the business announcing their latest results.

Under Okhovat’s watch Big W reported a 9 per cent drop for the last six months of 2021, the business also closed several stores across NSW and Victoria, he joined the business in April 2021.

Earnings before interest and tax declined by 81.2 per cent, dropping to $25 million.

The bright news was that eCommerce sales increased by 69.4 per cent during the period with the business taking share away from Catch and Kogan both e commerce retailers who are suffering online from stock, profit, and a slump in share vale.

Prior to the appointment of Okhovat who is taking on the role of CEO at G8 Education that owns 440 childcare centres BIG W was the stand-out performer in 2021, with earnings before interest and tax soaring to $172 million, up from $39 million in

  1. Big W made a $39 million profit in the June half, after losing $11 million in the previous corresponding period, and December-half profits almost tripled to $133 million.

Announcing the exit Woolworths CEO Brad Banducci, said in an email sent to staff that Okhovat will leave the business in December 2022.

He said that Woolworths was continuing with their “transformation” program at Big W.