Sainsbury's Chief Technology, Marketing and Data Officer Mark Given gets ready for another squiggle

Sainsbury’s recently reported significant changes to its operating board across customer experience, technology, commercial and sustainability.

This included the announcement that operating board accountability for technology will move to Mark Given, who becomes Chief Technology, Marketing and Data Officer from 1st September, following Clodagh Moriarty’s move to Dunelm.

Given has taken to social media to discuss his new job. In a LinkedIn post, he said: “Some big changes announced at Sainsbury’s this week including my role.”

“In the book ‘Squiggly Careers’ by the super talented Sarah Ellis and Helen Tupper they define these type of careers as ones that emphasis adaptability, continuous learning, and exploring different roles and opportunities as they arise. Which is a great summary of where I am right now.”

He added: It’s been the greatest privilege of my career to lead sustainability for the last four years with the excellent Ruth Cranston (Group Director of Sustainability at Sainsbury's). But it’s time for another squiggle. And I’m really looking forward to working with our brilliant technology teams from September.”

“Finally a huge welcome to Tracey Clements (Chief Retail, Logistics and Supply Officer) and Rob Barnes (Chief Technology Officer) looking forward to you joining the Sainsbury’s family soon.”

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Grocery retail will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards. which are now open for entries, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.