Coles has announced that its Chief Executive Coles Liquor, Darren Blackhurst has decided to step down to return to the UK.

Coles announced the departure in a media statement saying Blackhurst had made the decision to resign to return home to the UK where he and his wife have elderly parents and family.

Coles CEO Steven Cain said Blackhurst “has made an outstanding contribution to Coles Liquor since joining in January 2020”.

“Under his leadership, we reset our Liquor strategy to be a simpler, more accessible and locally relevant drinks specialist,” he said.

“This included renewing 426 Liquorland stores to the highly successful ‘black and white’ format, increasing sales of exclusive and local liquor brands, significantly enhancing our omnichannel presence and building capability and leadership at all levels within the business.

“Our Liquor business is being transformed for customers and has delivered sales growth of more than 15% in the past three years,” the statemenmt read.

Blackhurst will continue to lead Coles Liquor until 30 June. A recruitment process for his role has commenced.