Erica Berchtold

Erica Berchtold (born 1976) is an Australian businesswoman. During her career, Berchtold has worked in many senior management positions, notably becoming the first female CEO of David Jones in June 2026.

Career Berchtold held numerous senior management positions before joining Super Retail Group, including national product management roles at Harvey Norman and general manager of two Women's clothing businesses for Specialty Fashion Group. She has also been a councillor on the board of the Australian Retailers Association, and is currently a board member of the Sydney FC A-League club, and president of the Australian Sporting Goods Association.

Super Retail Group Over a twelve year period, Berchtold served as managing director of the sports division of Super Retail Group, including Rebel Sport, Amart Sports, Infinite Retail, and Goldcross Cycles. Over her tenure, Berchtold oversaw revenue increases ranging from AUD $600 million to AUD $1 billion. , and oversaw the introduction of "Considered", an ethical means by which The Iconic's customers could shop by attributes like recycled materials or brands that provide donations to charitable causes. Berchtold was outspoken and critical of the federal government over JobKeeper payments during the COVID-19 pandemic, citing a lack of support for the retail sector, with The Iconic not meeting the required 30 per cent loss of revenue threshold to receive payments. She cited personal commitments for her eventual departure from The Iconic after four years, with Jere Calmes succeeding her as CEO.

Best & Less Berchtold was set to become the CEO of Best & Less on September 4 2023, following on from Rodney Orrock, who stepped down due to health complications. Chair of Best & Less at the time, Jason Murray, said Berchtold was appointed following a global search for someone to fill the position, with Berchtold ultimately chosen due to her "track record of delivering profitable growth in a variety of retail markets" and "leadership skills". Over the course of a year, Berchtold worked on saving the brand before its collapse.

David Jones Before her appointment as CEO, Berchtold joined the department store in the newly created Chief Commercial Officer role, tasked with leading the "retailer’s value chain transformation program" and overseeing the Merchandise and Supply Chain. Berchtold assumed the position of CEO 2 June 2025, responsible for the retailer’s Merchandise and Supply Chain divisions eight months following on from Mosaic Brands' placement into administration. Berchtold's elevation to CEO means that for the first time, alongside Myer's CEO Olivia Wirth, Australia's two leading department stores are women-led. Berchtold is a mother of three, and became CEO of The Iconic when she was five months pregnant. In 2019, Berchtold told the Australian Financial Review that she wanted to show women that they can "have these roles and have children".