Sainsbury’s Announces Changes to Operating Board
Sainsbury’s has revealed a streamlined structure for its operating board, reducing the number of directors as part of the upcoming strategy phase to be disclosed next month.
Commercial Changes: Starting February, Graham Biggart, Chief Transformation Officer, will take on commercial responsibilities for general merchandise and clothing at Sainsbury’s and Argos. This move aims to accelerate transformation and performance. Matt Leeser will step into an expanded role as General Merchandise Commercial Director.
Paula Nickolds, the current General Merchandise Commercial Director, will leave to become CEO of The White Company in March. Rhian Bartlett will transition from Food Commercial Director to Chief Food Commercial Officer.
Sainsbury’s Bank: Following a strategic review of the Financial Services division, Sainsbury’s plans to enhance services by exploring options. The focus will be on a distributed model through dedicated providers. Jim Brown, CEO of Sainsbury’s Bank, is set to retire, and Robert Mulhall will succeed him in March, subject to regulatory approval.
Company Secretary Changes: Tim Fallowfield, Company Secretary and Corporate Services Director, will retire at the AGM in July after over 22 years with Sainsbury’s. Simon Roberts, Chief Executive, expressed gratitude for the contributions of Jim, Paula, and Tim. Roberts anticipates sharing more details about the next phase of the company’s plan in the upcoming strategy update.
Roberts assured customers that Sainsbury’s Bank will operate as usual for now, with no immediate changes to products and services. Any future alterations will be communicated well in advance.