Woolworths Group has appointed former journalist and government communications executive Heath Aston as its new Head of Media Relations, bolstering the Australian retailer's corporate affairs and communications team. Aston joins Woolworths from the New South Wales Government, where he served as Director of Communications and Media for NSW Special Minister of State John Graham. In the role, he was responsible for media strategy, stakeholder communications and public affairs across the minister's portfolio. He brings more than 20 years of experience spanning journalism, government and corporate communications. Before joining the NSW Government, Aston led media teams at strategic communications consultancy Populares and Transport for NSW, overseeing media relations and reputation management for one of Australia's largest public transport agencies. Aston began his career in journalism, covering politics and public policy for several leading Australian news organisations. His reporting roles included serving in the Canberra Press Gallery for The Sydney Morning Herald, the NSW Press Gallery for the Sun-Herald, and as a journalist with The Daily Telegraph. He also worked as Federal Political Correspondent for The Sydney Morning Herald, reporting on national politics and government. He joins Woolworths as the retailer continues to strengthen its group affairs and communications function. The company's external communications, government relations and sustainability activities are led by Simon Lowden, Chief Officer, Group Affairs, Communications and Sustainability, while reputation, government and industry affairs are overseen by Jaimie Lovell, Director of Reputation, Government and Industry Affairs.
