Sainsbury’s CEO Simon Roberts praises Phil Jordan as Group CIO announces retirement
Phil Jordan this week announced plans to step down as Sainsbury's Group CIO and retire in March 2023.
CEO Simon Roberts said in an internal note: “Phil has made an outstanding contribution to our company and has made a very significant impact, both in his leadership of Technology and Business Transformation.”
“I really appreciate all that Phil has led and delivered throughout the last five years and I have thoroughly enjoyed working alongside him.”
In a LinkedIn post, Jordan said: “Proud of my 35+ years in tech and grateful to have worked with brilliant people and for great businesses! #sainsburys #telefonica #vodafone #axa #boc #clarks.”
“Delighted that I will continue to contribute as a NED and Board Chair alongside enjoying all those things I have wanted to do but haven't had time.”
Jordan joined Sainsbury’s in 2017 from Telefonica where he was Global CIO and previously European CIO.
At that time, the then CEO at Sainsbury’s, Mike Coupe, said: “Phil’s appointment recognises the strategic importance of digital and information technology as an enabler for our future success and sets us up to deliver excellence in this area across the business.”
Jordan added: “The role of the Digital & Technology function in the retail sector has never been greater as the pace of change accelerates.”
“Technology and digital services extend to every part of Sainsbury’s and, following its recent expansion, this is a very exciting time to join the Group.”
Sainsbury’s has not yet made an announcement about Jordan’s replacement.
Sainsbury's Innovation Investments
Sainsbury’s this week announced the launch of the Sainsbury's Innovation Investments which will invest a minimum of £5 million over the next four years into startup businesses commercialising technologies that look to reduce operational carbon emissions and water usage.
Williams Advanced Engineering (WAE) will scout and invest into early stage companies, not limited to the Sainsbury’s supply chain, across a range of sectors.
The first investment is expected to be announced before the end of 2022.
Further details here.
