Sainsbury’s makes operating board changes as Paula Nickolds accepts new role of The White Company CEO
Sainsbury’s is to make changes to its operating board, including a reduction in the number of directors, as part of the next phase of its strategy.
The changes come as Paula Nickolds looks ahead to stepping down as the supermarket’s general merchandise commercial director to join The White Company as its chief executive in March.
From the beginning of February, Graham Biggart, chief transformation officer, will take responsibility for general merchandise and clothing across Sainsbury’s and Argos. This means he will have a new title of chief transformation and general merchandise commercial officer.
Meanwhile, Matt Leeser, Sainsbury’s business unit director for seasonal, toys and electricals, will take on the expanded role of general merchandise commercial director, reporting into Biggart.
In a further move, food commercial director Rhian Bartlett will become chief food commercial officer as the supermarket continues to accelerate its Food First strategy.
Sainsbury’s has also announced that Tim Fallowfield has decided to retire from his role as company secretary and corporate services director at its AGM in July. Jim Brown, chief executive officer of Sainsbury’s Bank, will also be retiring.
Simon Roberts, chief executive of J Sainsbury plc, said: “As we look ahead to the next phase of our strategy, I’m pleased to confirm this new structure for our Operating Board, which will help us become even more focused and further accelerate our transformation and performance.
“I would like to thank Jim, Paula and Tim, who have each made an outstanding contribution to the success of Sainsbury’s and we wish them all the very best for the future. I look forward to sharing more on the next phase of our plan at our forthcoming Strategy Update, building on all we’ve done to put food back at the heart of Sainsbury’s.”
