Sainsbury’s appoints new retail and operations director

Supermarket Sainsbury’s has named Simon Roberts as its new retail and operations director, who will join the retailer in July 2017.

Roberts, who most recently was executive vice president of Walgreens Boots Alliance and president of Boots in the UK and Ireland, will report into chief executive Mike Coupe and be a member of Sainsbury's operating board.

Prior to working for Boots, Roberts spent 14 years at Marks and Spencer, where he held a variety of roles in stores and operations.

Commenting on the appointment, Mike Coupe, chief executive of J Sainsbury Plc, said: “I am delighted to welcome Simon to Sainsbury’s. Simon is a very strong leader who is passionate about customers and colleagues. He has extensive stores experience, is customer-centric in everything he does and I am confident he will make a fantastic contribution to Sainsbury's and the Operating Board.”

Roberts added: “I am thrilled to be joining Sainsbury’s, a brand I have admired and respected for many years, and particularly at such an exciting time for the business following its acquisition of Home Retail Group. I am really looking forward to joining Mike and the team and working with the 165,000 colleagues across Sainsbury's stores and operations to help customers live well for less.”

Image: courtesy of Sainsbury’s