8th Oct 2007 12:00
Sainsbury(J) PLC08 October 2007 October 8, 2007 SAINSBURY'S ANNOUNCES NEW OPERATING BOARD APPOINTMENT Sainsbury's has appointed Dido Harding to the role of convenience director. Shewill join Sainsbury's in the Spring of 2008 and will also be a member of thecompany's Operating Board. Dido is currently with Tesco where she has held avariety of senior roles both in their UK and international businesses. She hasconsiderable retail experience, including strategic roles at Kingfisher andThomas Cook, and began her career as a consultant with McKinsey. Dido will take over from Lawrence Christensen who has been leading the divisionsince June 2006, and who was previously Sainsbury's supply chain director fortwo years. Lawrence will continue to lead Sainsbury's Convenience until Didoarrives and completes a period of induction. Justin King, Sainsbury's chief executive said: "We're delighted to welcome Didoto Sainsbury's and look forward to her arrival. I am also very grateful toLawrence for the significant contribution he has made to developing ourconvenience business. I am sure his support will be invaluable to Dido as wewelcome her to the business. "Growing our presence in the convenience channel has been an important part ofour Making Sainsbury's Great Again plans. We've made great progress over thepast three years, both through acquisitions and also new store openings, but weknow there is further potential. Dido's combination of marketing, trading andoperational experience means she is ideally qualified to lead the next stage ofthis development." Sainsbury's currently operates 305 convenience stores, and recently acquired 15stores from Kwik Save. In 2004, the Company committed to growing sales in theConvenience division by £400m by March 2008. In addition, new 3-year targetswere set out in May 2007 with plans to open 100 new convenience stores by March2010. - Ends - Enquiries: Investor Relations MediaElliot Jordan +44 (0) 20 7695 4931 Pip Wood +44 (0) 20 7695 7295 Notes Dido Harding career summary: • 2001-to date, Tesco Plc • 2006 to date, CEO Development Program • 2004-2006 International Support Director • 2001-2004 Commercial Director, Added Value Foods (UK) • 1998-2001, Kingfisher Plc • 1995-1998, Thomas Cook Ltd • 1988-1995, McKinsey & Co Sainsbury's Operating Board members: • Justin King, chief executive officer* • Darren Shapland, chief financial officer* • Mike Coupe, trading director* • Roger Burnley, supply chain director • Ken McMeikan, retail director • Imelda Walsh, HR director • Gwyn Burr, customer director *Also members of J Sainsbury plc Board This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
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