“General Manager of People and Culture at Coles Leaves for a New Opportunity”

Quick Overview

• Tammy Ryder exits Coles after nearly eight years to take on the role of Chief People Officer at Vicinity Centres.
• Ryder was instrumental in Coles’ HR innovation, notably leading the SAP SuccessFactors (‘myhub’) rollout.
• She also directed Coles’ Differentiating Practice approach, which improved employee digital participation.
• Vicinity Centres is thrilled to welcome Ryder during a dynamic growth and cultural enhancement phase.
• Rich Atkinson will succeed Ryder at Coles, commencing February 2026.

From Retail Leader to Shopping Centre Executive

After almost eight years of leading HR strategies at Coles, Tammy Ryder has declared her relocation to Vicinity Centres as Chief People Officer. In her new capacity, Ryder will report to CEO Peter Huddle and manage Vicinity Centres’ people and culture programs.

This transition signifies the conclusion of an impactful era at Coles, where she led various transformative efforts aimed at refining HR functions and boosting employee engagement.

Major Achievements at Coles

HR Innovation and ‘myhub’ Deployment

While at Coles, Ryder oversaw the introduction of the SAP SuccessFactors system, internally known as ‘myhub’. This platform revitalised HR operations, enhancing productivity and streamlining workflows for the company’s extensive staff.

Differentiating Practice Initiative

Ryder also developed the Differentiating Practice initiative, a critical strategy aimed at enhancing employee digital interaction. This approach demonstrated her capability to integrate HR functions with technological innovations, a skill that will certainly prove beneficial in her new role at Vicinity Centres.

Vicinity Centres: Embracing Ryder in a Growing Environment

Vicinity Centres has shown enthusiasm regarding Ryder’s appointment, highlighting her vast experience and successful history in leading diverse teams across Australia. The company is currently focusing on establishing and expanding its co-created purpose, vision, and values, making Ryder’s skill in cultural change a timely asset.

“Tammy joins Vicinity as Chief People Officer at a thrilling time as we continue to solidify and expand our shared purpose,” the company stated on LinkedIn. “Her experience will be key in shaping how our teams collaborate effectively.”

Coles’ New Era: Rich Atkinson Assumes Role

To fill the position left by Ryder, Coles has appointed Rich Atkinson as the new General Manager of People and Culture Operations, starting February 2026. Atkinson will report to Chief People Officer Kris Webb and will direct strategic HR projects across Coles’ supermarkets, supply chain, and liquor divisions.

A Coles spokesperson remarked on the shift: “Rich will play a vital role in ensuring Coles remains an excellent workplace for our operational team members.”

Conclusion

Tammy Ryder’s exit from Coles represents a significant moment for both her career and the involved organisations. As Ryder takes on a leadership position at Vicinity Centres, Coles prepares for a new outlook under Rich Atkinson’s leadership. The HR innovations driven by Ryder at Coles will surely have a lasting influence, establishing a robust foundation for ongoing growth and creativity.

Q&A: Clarifying the Shift