Sainsbury’s has named former president and managing director of Boots Simon Roberts as new retail and operations director.
Roberts, who will join Sainsbury’s by July 2017.replaces Roger Burnley, who is set to join Asda as chief operating officer.
Joining from his position as executive vice president of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Roberts has previously worked as president of Boots in the UK & Ireland. Prior to that, he was managing director of Boots UK, and in the past he worked for 14 years in operations at Marks and Spencer.
Sainsbury’s chief executive Mike Coupe said: “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 said: “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.”
