Sainsbury's CMO and data chief Given to boss tech, too

Sainsbury’s has initiated yet another reshuffle of its executive team, with data and marketing chief Mark Given handed board accountability for technology, effectively succeeding Clodagh Moriarty who left to be CEO of Dunhelm last month.

Given, who was only promoted to chief marketing, data, and sustainability officer in January of this year, now becomes chief technology, marketing and data officer.

The supermarket giant says the move “reflects the strategic importance of technology and AI in delivering outstanding customer experience, leveraging the power of data and insight and unlocking future opportunities at scale”.

Meanwhile, Rob Barnes will join the retailer as chief technology officer, following an 18-month spell at Asda in the same role, where he was responsible for the 700-strong digital and technology team.

Prior to that Barnes was CTO at Marks & Spencer, for nearly five years, initially working on food and retail before switching to overseeing the delivery and operations across all of M&S’ clothing and home; food; and online channels.

Meanwhile, BP’s senior vice president of mobility and convenience Europe, Tracey Clements, is joining Sainsbury’s as chief retail, logistics and supply officer.

This is a new role that unifies the company’s retail, digital, customer experience, supply chain and logistics under a single leadership.

Clements previously spent 17 years with Tesco, where she held a significant number of leadership roles, including managing director of Tesco Express and CEO of One Stop.

Prior to that, Clements was chief operating officer at Boots UK & Ireland, where she led the operation of the business through the Covid-19 pandemic.

Given’s sustainability duties will go to Rhian Bartlett, who will become chief commercial and sustainability officer in an expanded role that brings together the group’s commercial and sustainability agendas under a single leadership.

Finally, Argos Retail stores and transformation teams will move to Graham Biggart, managing director for Argos and chief strategy officer. He will continue to hold accountability for shaping the Sainsbury’s Group future strategy.

Sainsbury’s chief executive Simon Roberts said: “I’m delighted to welcome Tracey to our operating board. Her breadth of experience, energy and customer first mindset make her an outstanding addition to our leadership team and I’m confident she will play a pivotal role in accelerating our plan and shaping the next chapter of our business.

“Alongside Tracey, we’re strengthening our leadership across technology, commercial and sustainability, all areas that are critical to delivering our ‘Next Level’ strategy.

“With Rhian taking forward our combined commercial and sustainability ambition, Mark uniting technology, marketing and data, Graham leading our group strategy and the transformation of Argos, and Rob joining us as CTO, we’re building the momentum and the capabilities to move faster, serve customers better and unlock long-term growth across the group.”