Wayne Harrison – VIC State Manager & Ritchies Director
When did you join Ritchies?
I started in 2004 and worked for 7 years during high school and university before leaving for 10 years. I then returned in 2021, making it a total of 10 years.
What do you do at Ritchies?
As director, it is signing off on corporate decisions and the strategic pathway for the company, as well as managing our corporate risks. As VIC State Manager, it is overseeing the VIC business unit, and the 54+ stores and 4,000 team members.
Tell us about your career path.
I worked for 10 years as a Major Projects lawyer, working on a combination of infrastructure and oil and gas projects. The highlights were working as the Legal Director of the West Gate Tunnel Project, and then as a lawyer at an international firm in London. Both very different, but unique experiences. However, it soon became apparent that I did not want to continue as a lawyer. I was very fortunate that Ritchies saw a role and career path for myself, and I was able to return.
What do you enjoy most about working for Ritchies?
The people. Most of the senior team have been at Ritchies for 20years+, and make coming to work very enjoyable. It does feel like a big family. The other enjoyable part is the variety – one day you could be in Mildura doing store visits, other days at
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Listen more than you talk.
What is a favourite quote?
The energy of the mind, is the essence of life – Aristotle.
What sport are you most passionate about?
AFL/Collingwood definitely occupy too much of my time. I am also a massive Yankees fan. Between those two teams, there’s not a lot of spare time!
Where is your favourite destination in the world, or dream to visit?
Rome, 18 visits and counting now. Dream destination is the Bahamas.