Sainsbury’s revamps management – Gulf Today

Sainsbury’s revamps management – Gulf Today

The company has picked retail and operations director Simon Roberts to succeed CEO Mike Coupe, the architect of the British supermarket group's failed bid for rival Asda who will step down in May after six years at the helm.. On Jan.10, Reuters reported that Roberts was the leading internal candidate to succeed Coupe.. Coupe, 59, has faced questions about his future since April when Britain's competition regulator blocked Sainsbury's attempt to take over Walmart-owned Asda for 7.3 billion pounds ($9.5 billion) and become Britain's biggest retailer.. Monteyne also said Roberts might review the future of Sainsbury's bank, which he said was unpopular with investors.. Sainsbury's said Coupe would remain a director from June 1 until the annual shareholders' meeting on July 2, at which point he will retire from the company he joined 15 years ago.. Roberts also spent 15 years at clothing and food retailer Marks & Spencer, where he had roles in stores and operations.. Britain's retailers reported mixed results for the critical Christmas period, with major supermarkets suffering their slowest festive season in years, but others faring better..