Dennis Eck, formers CEO of retail giant Coles Myer, has left the firm with a bursting goody bag despite watching profits crumble while the group was under his wing.

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more


An early termination fee worth A$4.9m (US$2.45m) was provided on top of his A$3.65m salary for the 2000-01 year. He also walks away with an extensive shares portfolio and a five-year consultancy deal with the retailer.


The apparent generosity of the Coles Myer group has surprised its 581,000 stockholders. Eck had his contract terminated before time, when the company posted a heavy fall in the profits at its Myer-Grace Bros and Target chains. The retailer’s credit rating has meanwhile slipped from A minus to BBB plus.


The Australian retail sector is no stranger to substantial payouts for its departing executives however. Eric Dodd’s departure form NRMA enabled him to pick up a cheque worth A$3m. George Trumbull, former CEO of AMP, was meanwhile sent on his way back to the US with A$13.2m in 1999.


Coles’ new CEO, Warren Flick, has meanwhile secured a share package worth A$5.37m.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

Just Food Excellence Awards - The Benefits of Entering

Gain the recognition you deserve! The Just Food Excellence Awards celebrate innovation, leadership, and impact. By entering, you showcase your achievements, elevate your industry profile, and position yourself among top leaders driving food industry advancements. Don’t miss your chance to stand out—submit your entry today!

Nominate Now