LONDON, 2014-2-28 — /EPR Retail News/ — Sainsbury’s Jon Rudoe is to join the retailer’s Operating Board as Digital and Technology Director in a move that recognises the rapidly growing importance of online and digital sales channels to the business as well as Jon’s talent and significant achievements at the company.
Sainsbury’s CEO Justin King said: “I’m delighted to welcome Jon to the Operating Board – he’s a driven and talented Sainsbury’s leader whose first-class team has turned our Groceries Online operation into a billion-pound business and transformed our digital offer. Jon will be a fantastic support first to me and then to Mike Coupe as we continue on our journey to help customers Live Well For Less through our digital as well as traditional channels.”
Jon, 35, joined Sainsbury’s in July 2011 as Director of Online, leading the Grocery and Non-Food Online businesses. In March 2013 he also took on responsibility for leading Sainsbury’s digital strategy, including the development of Click and Collect, Digital Entertainments, Mobile Scan and Go and building the Digital Experience team.
He has helped the Groceries Online business break through £1 billion in sales, driving significant operational improvements and leading the launch of a new website and platform for grocery sales.
In his new Operating Board role as Digital and Technology Director, Jon will combine his digital responsibilities with leadership of the IT function, reinforcing Sainsbury’s commitment to its digital future.
Jon Rudoe said: “I’m excited to be given the chance to take our digital engagement to the next level – this move reflects the increasing importance that we’re placing on technology and digital sales channels. Technology is a key part of our future vision, right across the customer experience and as a vital tool for our 157,000 colleagues, and I want to put it at the heart of everything we do to serve our customers.”
Jon’s new role will incorporate the responsibilities of IT Director Rob Fraser, who, as previously announced, will leave the business on March 15. Joining in 2009, Rob played a huge part in the development and growth of the business, delivering game-changing projects such as Brand Match, Real Time Supply Chain and the Red Prairie depot system.
In a separate move, Sainsbury’s said Property Director Neil Sachdev would step down at the end of the financial year after seven years in the business. After four decades of success in the retail industry Neil is looking forward to taking up some new opportunities, including some in a non-executive capacity.
Neil has helped drive Sainsbury’s footage growth while reducing costs and improving processes, and has developed and grown the property business, adding significant value to our asset base and leading the work on the “Respect for our Environment” value.
Justin King said: “I’d like to thank both Neil and Rob for the significant contribution they have made to Sainsbury’s, and we wish them the very best for the future.”
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