Sainsbury's announces change at the top as Mark Given becomes Chief Technology, Marketing and Data Officer

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

Effective from 3rd September, Tracey Clements will join as Chief Retail, Logistics and Supply Officer, a newly created role that unifies Sainsbury’s Retail, Digital, Customer Experience, Supply Chain and Logistics under a single leadership.

She previously spent 17 years with Tesco where she held a significant number of leadership roles, including Store Manager and Store Director, Managing Director of Tesco Express and CEO of One Stop. Following this, she was Chief Operating Officer at Boots UK & Ireland, where she led the operation of the business through the Covid-19 pandemic. Most recently, she was Senior Vice President of Mobility and Convenience Europe at bp.

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.

The grocery giant says that this reflects the strategic importance of technology and AI in delivering outstanding customer experience, leveraging the power of data and insight and unlocking future opportunities at scale.

Rob Barnes, meanwhile, will join in early October as Chief Technology Officer. His CV includes stints at Asda and M&S.

Rhian Bartlett will become Chief Commercial and Sustainability Officer in an expanded role that brings together the group’s commercial and sustainability agendas under a single leadership.

Argos Retail stores and transformation teams will move to Graham Biggart, Managing Director for Argos and Chief Strategy Officer. He will continue to hold accountability for shaping the Sainsbury’s Group future strategy.

Simon Roberts, Chief Executive at Sainsbury’s, says: “I’m delighted to welcome Tracey to our operating board. Her breadth of experience, energy and customer first mindset make her an outstanding addition to our leadership team and I’m confident she will play a pivotal role in accelerating our plan and shaping the next chapter of our business.”

“Alongside Tracey, we’re strengthening our leadership across Technology, Commercial and Sustainability, all areas that are critical to delivering our Next Level strategy. With Rhian taking forward our combined commercial and sustainability ambition, Mark uniting technology, marketing and data, Graham leading our group strategy and the transformation of Argos, and Rob joining us as CTO, we’re building the momentum and the capabilities to move faster, serve customers better and unlock long-term growth across the group.”

“I’d also like to again express my heartfelt thanks to Clo for her very significant contribution to our business and our team. Clo has brought energy, commitment and impact, and we all wish her every success for the future when she leaves us in September.”

Clements comments: “Sainsbury’s is an amazing brand with a deep heritage at the heart of Britain’s relationship with food. I’ve always held it in high regard for giving customers extremely high quality food at great value, with a real focus on colleagues, communities, suppliers and farmers. I can’t wait to get started and help shape the next chapter of this fantastic business.”

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

AI 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.