J Sainsbury Plc announced that Darren Shapland, group development director, has informed the Board that he intends to stand down from his position as a director with effect from July 13, 2011. Shapland plans to pursue a number of personal interests in future, but he will remain with Sainsbury’s as non-executive chairman of Sainsbury’s Bank.
Luke Jensen, currently managing director (non-food) and member of the Operating Board of J Sainsbury Plc, will take over the role of group development director, assuming Darren’s existing responsibilities except for Convenience, Bank and Property. Jensen will continue to be a director on the Operating Board.
Justin King, chief executive, will assume direct responsibility for the Convenience business, while John Rogers, chief financial officer, will add Property to his remit.
David Tyler, chairman, J Sainsbury, said, “On behalf of the Board and all Sainsbury’s colleagues, I would like to thank Darren very much for the extremely important role he played in helping to reposition Sainsbury’s from recovery to growth. I have valued his input on a day-to-day basis and I am delighted that we will continue to benefit from his advice and experience through his role as chairman of Sainsbury’s Bank.”
Shapland added, “It has been a real pleasure to work within a successful team at Sainsbury’s, helping my colleagues implement the turnaround of the company and the move from recovery to growth. The business is in great shape and this feels an appropriate time to move on so that I can pursue a number of my personal interests. I am pleased to continue to be involved with the company in my ongoing role at Sainsbury’s Bank.”
–IndiaRetailing Bureau
