DJs boss Paul Zahra steps down following Woolworths takeover

David Jones boss Paul Zahra has stepped down following its $2.2 billion takeover by Woolworths South Africa.

The resignation will take immediate effect, with the new owners wasting no time in shaking up the management of the department store giant.

Former Country Road boss Iain Nairn will take over from Mr Zahra, with David Thomas, another Country Road executive, moving across to chief operating officer of DJs.

Mr Zahra was hastily installed as DJs chief in 2010 following the shock sacking of former boss Mark McIness, and almost resigned last year, only to be convinced to stay on.