Kirkcaldies managing director leaves suddenly

The managing director of Wellington's historic department store Kirkcaldie & Stains has left suddenly for "health reasons", the company says.

Chairman Denis Tait said Richard Holden "retired" last Friday. Mr Holden had been with the Lambton Quay store for almost five years.

Mr Holden was a high flier in the beer business, in the past running Foster's in New Zealand.

He has his own fashion label and a brewing company and in the late 1990s stood for mayor of Auckland.

No replacement was announced today.

Originally from Wellington, Mr Holden was moving back to Auckland, to pursue "long-time interests", Mr Tait said.

"During his time with Kirkcaldie & Stains he oversaw some important changes in the business and we wish him well with his future."

In February, the company reported a solid start to the financial year, with total sales up 4 per cent between September and Christmas.

However, the 2004 year was disappointing, Mr Tait said at the time.

Under Mr Holden, Kirkcaldie & Stains bought the neighbouring Harbour City Centre for $29 million in 2002.

Mr Holden, 57, had run Kirkcaldie & Stains since late 2001.

As a fashion designer, he won the Melbourne Cup fashion events six times, and was a window dresser early in his career.

He has designed clothes for singer Dame Malvina Major and former prime minister Jim Bolger's wife, Joan.

As well as working for Carlton United Breweries (CUB), which makes Foster's beer, Mr Holden also spent time with Lion Breweries, leading an export push of Steinlager into Australia.

During his time with CUB, he attached the Foster's name to the Wellington Cup, turning sales of $1.3 million a year into a $31 million-a-year business in New Zealand.

Mr Holden could not be reached for comment.

- nzpa