Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, December 2025 – Rachel Scheel has joined Country Road Group as the new Group Head of Culture and Capability, marking a return to her home country of Australia after a distinguished international career. In this strategic leadership role, she will be responsible for shaping values-driven culture, leadership development, and organizational capability across the iconic portfolio of Country Road Group brands.
Prior to joining Country Road Group, Rachel Scheel held the position of SVP Global Talent, Development, Environment and Diversity Equity and Inclusion at Criteo for nearly three years. She led global people strategies encompassing talent, learning, CSR, engagement, DE&I, and environment, while also serving on the company’s Leadership Strategy Committee.
Earlier at Criteo, she served as SVP Global DEI and Sustainability, where she pioneered inclusive talent programs and sustainable business practices. Before that, she spent over nine years at GE Healthcare, where she held several global leadership roles, including Global Executive – Culture, Inclusion, Diversity and Engagement, Executive HR Leader for Europe & Russia, and HR Director for Global R&D and Commercial Operations.
Her earlier roles include HR leadership positions at Amec Foster Wheeler, Faithful+Gould, GE Capital, and Stellar, spanning geographies from the UK to Australia. Throughout her career, she has developed deep expertise in change management, leadership coaching, talent management, and organizational development across diverse sectors.
Country Road Group is one of Australia’s largest specialty fashion retailers, operating five iconic brands: Country Road, Witchery, Trenery, Mimco, and Politix. With a legacy of Australian heritage and a focus on natural simplicity, quality, and design innovation, the group is part of Woolworths Holdings Limited (South Africa). Country Road Group is committed to sustainable practices and creating exceptional experiences through modern Australian style.
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