Former WA Premier Alan Carpenter has taken on a senior position with Australian conglomerate Wesfarmers just over a year after losing the state election and raising the ire of the firm for his stance against deregulated trading hours.

The owner of Coles advised today that Mr Carpenter would assume the position of Executive General Manager for Corporate Affairs.

Chief Executive Richard Goyder appears to have put his disappointment with Mr Carpenter’s policy against deregulated trading hours behind him, saying he was delighted with the appointment.

“Alan is a very talented person who, as a senior Minister and Premier, made a significant contribution to Western Australian public life,” he said. “I am looking forward very much to working with him in the post-politics phase of his career.”

“His knowledge of government and policy development, combined with his pre-politics life as a senior journalist, will be of great value to Wesfarmers.”

Mr Carpenter was similarly excited by the move.

“I think most Western Australians, whether they are investors or not, have a very high regard this company,” he said in a statement. “This is probably because Wesfarmers has earned a deserved reputation as a company that has not only achieved sustained business success but is also respected for its integrity and community commitment.”

In his role at Wesfarmers, Mr Carpenter will be responsible for the Group’s external affairs activities including media relations, government, community contribution and sustainability. He will report directly to Mr Goyder and work closely with him, other senior executives at the Corporate Office in Perth and with the Group’s operating businesses on a wide range of issues.

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