Paul Harker

Paul Harker has more than three decades of senior leadership experience across Australia’s retail and FMCG sectors, including 33 years with Woolworths Group. Most recently, Paul served as Chief Commercial Officer for Woolworths Group, where he was accountable for the $51 billion Australian Food commercial portfolio. In this role, he oversaw commercial practices across more than 1,000 stores and helped lead large-scale enterprise transformation initiatives, including the modernization of digital systems and the integration of data-led analytics across complex supply chain networks.

Paul’s earlier executive roles at Woolworths included leadership across Replenishment, Supply Chain, and Store Operations, giving him a broad understanding of the full retail operating model – from store execution to enterprise-level commercial strategy.

In addition to his executive career, Paul brings significant board governance experience. He served as Deputy Chair and Non-Executive Director of Horticulture Innovation Australia, where he helped guide the investment strategy for the national Research and Development Corporation, which invests approximately $150 million annually into research, innovation, and marketing to support a sustainable, innovation-led horticulture industry.

Paul retired from Woolworths Group on May 1, 2026, after 33 years with the company. He is currently a Strategic Advisor to Blue Collar Robotics, having started in the role on May 4, 2026. Paul approached Blue Collar Robotics directly, recognizing the problem the company is solving. Having led Woolworths’ experience with Takeoff Technologies’ micro-fulfillment solution, he believes Blue Collar Robotics offers the right approach: one that operates directly inside existing stores, addressing the challenge at its source without requiring high CAPEX or major construction. Paul’s appointment strengthens Blue Collar Robotics at a critical stage of the company’s growth. His extensive experience leading complex retail operations, scaling commercial programs, and advising at board level will be invaluable as the company builds strategic partnerships with leading grocery retailers and prepares for international expansion.