In a significant boardroom move, former Bunnings managing director John Gillam has been appointed as the next chair of diversified industrial conglomerate SGH.
Leadership Transition Set for Mid-2025
The company announced on Wednesday, 17 December 2025, that Gillam will succeed the outgoing chair, Terry Davis, who has held the position for the past four years. The transition is designed to be seamless, with Gillam joining the SGH board in February 2025. He will work alongside Davis before officially assuming the chair role on 1 June 2025.
Extensive Experience Drives Appointment
SGH highlighted Gillam's proven credentials as the key reason for his selection. The company pointed to his extensive ASX board experience and a strong history of creating shareholder value through strategic transformation and operational excellence. His tenure at the helm of Bunnings, one of Australia's most recognisable retail success stories, is considered a major asset.
Outgoing chair Terry Davis endorsed the appointment, stating that Gillam's transformational leadership and deep board expertise made him the ideal candidate to steer SGH through its upcoming growth phase. "The board and I are committed to ensuring a smooth transition that maintains momentum on our strategic priorities," Davis said.
What This Means for SGH's Future
This leadership change signals a new chapter for SGH. The appointment of a high-profile executive like John Gillam suggests the board is seeking to leverage his experience in driving large-scale business performance and value creation. Shareholders will be watching closely to see how his strategic vision influences the company's direction from mid-2025 onwards.
