Retail entrepreneur Robert Atkins has died at the age of 52 after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
Atkins was CEO of department store chain Harris Scarfe from 2001 until 2009, which he helped rebuild.
His retail career spanned more than 25 years, with roles including chief executive of Burmah Castrol in Australia, president and chief executive officer of Coca Cola Amatil’s Philippines business and general manager of buying and marketing with K-Mart, as well as a variety of other roles within the Coles Myer Group.
Atkins was chair of restructured discount retail chain Australian Discount Retail until late last year. He was also chair of Transworld Enterprises, which owns and operates the Shiels and Grahams jewellery chains.
He played a significant role in the restructuring of retail trading hours in South Australia and in the revitalisation of the state’s premium retail precinct as chairman of the Rundle Mall Management Authority.
Atkins is survived by his wife and four sons.