Jun 22, 2026 – 5.09pmDavid Jones chief executive Erica Berchtold plans to pivot the department store chain’s strategy away from beauty to fashion and online luxury growth, while brushing off persistent speculation that the 188-year-old retailer is up for sale.The company appointed Berchtold as its first female chief executive to immediately replace Scott Fyfe, alongside securing a new three-year credit facility of more than $200 million from Hilco Capital. The new loan with the British lender replaces an existing arrangement with Gordon Brothers and Nomura, and aims to help the department store chain speed up payments to its suppliers.Subscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? Fetching latest articles
At David Jones, a CEO with a new strategy to save an Australian icon
Erica Berchtold says she wants to bring the magic back to retail. First she has to convince her team that she’s there for the right reasons.







