In October last year, Philippe Hamers announced his intention to retire from the position of group chief executive.
After almost a decade in the role, he will step down on 30 June 2026. Following his departure, Victoria’s principal operating divisions will be led directly by their divisional management teams. Roberto Moreno, Victoria’s chief operating officer, will continue to head both the Rugs and North America divisions alongside his group-wide responsibility. The UK Flooring division will be led by Steve Byrne, chief executive, UK Flooring, who rejoined the group in April 2026.
Executive chairman Geoff Wilding said: “Philippe has made a significant contribution to Victoria over the last nine years as group chief executive. During that period, the group has expanded substantially and built leading positions in a number of flooring markets. He has also played a particularly important role in the development of the UK business, and I am pleased that Victoria will continue to benefit from his sector knowledge and operational experience in the UK and Australia.
“The recent period has been exceptionally challenging for the sector. The management structure now in place reflects the distinct characteristics of our principal divisions and gives each of them clear accountability. Our priority is execution: delivering the self-help initiatives we have set out, generating cash, reducing leverage and rebuilding value for shareholders.”
Hamers will continue to support the company as a director of the Australian business and as chairman of the UK Flooring division.
He said: “Victoria has a strong operational leadership team and a clear plan to deliver the group’s self-help initiatives. Recent years have been difficult for the flooring sector, with the after-effects of Covid, the war in Ukraine, inflation and, more recently, the Iran war, heavily affecting input prices and putting pressure on consumer demand. The actions now underway are intended to reduce costs, improve productivity and strengthen cash generation.
“I am pleased to continue supporting the group in my new roles and look forward to working with Geoff, Steve and the wider leadership team as Victoria focuses on execution and positions the business for the next cycle.”
