Sainsbury’s has announced a major executive reshuffle consolidating retail, logistics, sustainability and technology roles to enhance operational efficiency and embed its Next Level strategy amid rising costs and evolving market demands.
British supermarket giant Sainsbury’s is undertaking a significant leadership restructure aimed at enhancing its operational efficiency, sustainability agenda, and digital capabilities as part of its broader strategic plan known as the “Next Level” strategy. This extensive shake-up follows the departure of Clodagh Moriarty, the former Chief Retail and Technology Officer, who left Sainsbury’s to become CEO at Dunelm in October 2025.
The reorganisation introduces several notable changes within the executive board. Tracey Clements has been appointed to a newly created role as Chief Retail, Logistics and Supply Officer. Bringing a wealth of experience from senior leadership roles at BP, Boots, and Tesco, Clements will unify retail operations, supply chain, logistics, and digital initiatives under a single leadership umbrella. Her background in convenience retail and operational efficiency, combined with a strong focus on customer experience and diversity, positions her well to navigate the complexities of the modern grocery market. CEO Simon Roberts has expressed enthusiasm for her appointment, highlighting her dynamic, customer-centric approach as integral to driving the next chapter of Sainsbury’s growth and innovation.
Rhian Bartlett’s role has expanded significantly, evolving into the Chief Commercial and Sustainability Officer. Formerly Chief Commercial Officer, Bartlett will now integrate sustainability directly into commercial decision-making processes, reflecting Sainsbury’s heightened commitment to environmental responsibility. This shift aligns with wider structural changes in the sustainability team, including the departure of Celia Cole, the senior head of environmental sustainability, part of a broader reduction in head office roles as the supermarket addresses economic pressures.
Mark Given has also seen an augmentation of his responsibilities. Originally overseeing marketing, data, and sustainability, Given now holds the title of Chief Technology, Marketing and Data Officer. His remit now includes technological innovation alongside managing data analytics and the retailer’s sustainability efforts. Given, who has been with Sainsbury’s for over a decade, has led sustainability initiatives since 2022 and also manages the Nectar loyalty scheme. This consolidation of marketing, data, technology, and sustainability signifies Sainsbury’s strategy to leverage integrated digital capabilities and customer insights to boost operational performance and sustainability goals.
Meanwhile, Graham Biggart retains his role as Chief Strategy Officer and additionally assumes managing director responsibilities for Argos, Sainsbury’s non-food retail format. This direct reporting line to Biggart underlines the supermarket’s focus on enhancing its non-food operations within the competitive retail landscape.
These leadership changes come in the context of a challenging economic environment marked by higher wage bills and increased employer national insurance contributions, which have collectively increased Sainsbury’s operating costs by an estimated £140 million annually. In response, the retailer announced in January 2025 plans to cut over 3,000 roles, including a 20% reduction in senior management, alongside closing in-store cafés and food counters to reallocate space for fresh food ranges. Despite these pressures, Sainsbury’s reported stronger-than-expected first-quarter sales and an 8% rise in share value during 2025, with predictions of 7% profit growth for the full year.
The restructuring epitomises CEO Simon Roberts’ strategic focus on cost-saving, operational excellence, and embedding sustainability as a core business element. By reconfiguring leadership responsibilities to bring retail, logistics, strategy, and sustainability under more cohesive management, and by empowering executives with broad, integrated roles, Sainsbury’s aims to future-proof its business model amid the evolving demands of the retail sector and the increasing importance of environmental and digital transformation.
In summary, Sainsbury’s leadership overhaul is not merely a routine executive reshuffle but a clear signal of its intent to strengthen its positioning through operational agility, sustainable growth, and enhanced customer experience, spearheaded by an experienced and restructured executive team.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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