Sainsbury’s today announces the appointment of Simon Roberts as Retail & Operations Director. Simon will report to Chief Executive Mike Coupe and be a member of Sainsbury's Operating Board.

Most recently Simon was Executive Vice President of Walgreens Boots Alliance and President of Boots in the UK & Ireland.  Prior to this Simon was Managing Director of Boots UK, where he was responsible for leading retail and pharmacy activities in over 2,500 stores across the UK & Ireland.

Simon joined Boots as Regional Director in 2003 from Marks & Spencer, where for 14 years he held roles in Marks & Spencer’s stores and operations. Simon will join Sainsbury’s by July 2017.

Mike Coupe, Chief Executive of J Sainsbury Plc, said: “I am delighted to welcome Simon to Sainsbury’s. 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.”

Simon 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.”