Sainsbury's has announced changes to positions on the plc Board and also on its Operating Board.  The changes will support and drive the Company's long-term growth strategy and strengthen the leadership team.

Mike Coupe, currently Trading Director, will become Group Commercial Director on the plc Board, assuming responsibility for Marketing in addition to his responsibilities for Trading, IT and On-line.

Darren Shapland, currently Chief Financial Officer, will become Group Development Director on the plc Board. This new role, in addition to ensuring the Company's existing growth plans are realised, will lead the delivery of future plans and includes responsibility for new business development as well as Convenience, Sainsbury's Bank, Property and Group strategy.

John Rogers will join the plc Board as Chief Financial Officer. John currently holds the role of Property Director on the Operating Board, having previously been Director of Group Finance and Director of Corporate Finance and has 20 years experience in financial management and strategy.

In addition to the above, Helen Buck is appointed to the Operating Board as Convenience Director, reporting to Darren Shapland.  Helen joined the Company in 2005 and has held several senior roles, most recently as Business Unit Director, Grocery. She has nearly 30 years experience in retail businesses and strategic consulting.

Commenting on the changes, David Tyler, Chairman, said "I am delighted to welcome John Rogers to the plc Board. He brings a wealth of financial and strategic experience to the plc team and has done an excellent job in the last two years in helping to build one of the retail industry's biggest property pipelines. His appointment reflects the exceptional pool of talent that Sainsbury's has developed over the last five years".

Justin King, Chief Executive, said "Sainsbury's today is a bigger business than it has ever been. The business now serves over 19 million customers weekly and has significant growth opportunities by accelerating our space expansion, growing the non food business and developing new channels for our customers. Both Darren and Mike have made major contributions to our performance over recent years and their new roles will be vital in delivering the next stage of our growth strategy. John has been a key member of both our financial and operational teams and I am sure he will make a great contribution to the plc Board.

Helen inherits a Convenience business which is in great shape and is one of the exciting areas of growth for the company. She is a highly driven and successful operator and will bring even more energy to the Convenience team and its expansion plans."

The changes will come into effect on 19 July 2010.