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Sainsbury's and Endaba announce major appointments to Sainbury's clothing and general merchandise leadership team

May 10, 2011

Sainsbury's has today announced that is has strengthened its clothing and general merchandise leadership teams with two new appointments.

James Brown, formerly Trading Director Clothing, Footwear, Home and Furniture for Littlewoods Shop Direct, has joined Sainsbury's as Business Unit Director, Clothing. Prior to working at Littlewoods he held senior roles at Matalan and Marks and Spencer. James will have responsibility for the continued growth of Tu in the clothing market with recent industry data confirming that Sainsbury's Tu is now ranked seventh in the UK by volume across all clothing, footwear and accessory sales. Earlier this year Sainsbury's Tu announced an exciting partnership with Gok Wan and just last week Sainsbury's launched a major new TV and print advertising campaign to reinforce the brand's quality credentials.

Robbie Feather is joining Sainsbury's as Business Unit Director, General Merchandise. He is joining Sainsbury's from John Lewis where he was Buying Director, Electricals and Home Technology. Prior to this he was the managing director of furniture retailer Feather & Black and has also worked for Asda. Robbie will have responsibility for all of Sainsbury's general merchandise including homewares and electrical. General merchandise is a major area of focus for Sainsbury's and is key driver of Sainsbury's non-food growth. 

These moves will take place in late Summer/early Autumn 2011.  A separate announcement on Luke Jensen's replacement as Managing Director for Non-Food will follow in due course.

Commenting on the appointments Mike Coupe, Sainsbury's Group Commercial Director said: "I am delighted to welcome James and Robbie to Sainsbury's. They bring a wealth of experience and have worked for some of the UK's most successful retailers.

"I am sure they will make great additions to our team and will play a key role as we continue with our exciting expansion plans for non-food."

James Brown, Sainsbury's new Business Unit Director, Clothing, said: "Recent industry data has shown that Tu clothing has gone from strength to strength over the last few years and I look forward to helping to continue this growth."

Robbie Feather, Sainsbury's new Business Unit Director, General Merchandise, said: "The growth of Sainsbury's non-food business is well documented and it is playing an increasing role in Sainsbury's continued success. I look forward to developing the range even further and helping build upon the excellent work that the current team have done to date."

Patrick Egan, Managing Director of Endaba, said "We are delighted to be part of the continued growth of Sainsbury's Non-Food offering.  We have now placed a number of senior leaders within the businesss and will continue to work with Sainsburys to ensure they maintain their competitive advantage."