Sainsbury’s appoints Poundland CEO as chief financial officer
Sainsbury’s has appointed Poundland chief executive Kevin O’Byrne as its new chief financial officer.
The news follows the move of John Rogers from being chief financial officer of J Sainsbury to chief executive of Sainsbury’s Argos, following the supermarket chain’s acquisition of Home Retail Group in September.
Due to join the business on 9 January, O’Byrne will be a member of the Sainsbury’s board and the company’s operating board. Prior to joining Poundland, O’Byrne worked with Kingfisher from 2008 to 2015 where his roles included chief executive of B&Q UK & Ireland and group finance director. Before that, he was group finance director of Dixons Retail. He is currently a non-executive director and chairman of the audit committee of Land Securities Group,
Mike Coupe, group chief executive of Sainsbury’s, said: “We are two years into the delivery of our strategy and this is an important time as we integrate the Argos and Habitat businesses into the group. Kevin brings a wealth of retail and finance experience and a track record in growing businesses. I very much look forward to welcoming him to the team.”
Sainsbury’s said that Ed Barker will continue as interim chief financial officer until O’Byrne takes up his role and will continue to have a leading role in the business.
