Sainsbury's ups sticks as tech exec Mark Given talks craziness that goes with running a big grocer

Sainsbury’s is this week packing up and relocating its HQ to the JJ Mack Building in Farringdon, a short walk from its current location at Chancery Lane, London. 

It marks the end of a two decade stint at its 33 Holborn home as the grocery giant takes on 68,002 sq ft at the new building. 

In a LinkedIn post, dated 1st September, Sainsbury’s technology executive Mark Given said: “Today we said goodbye to our current office, the big glass box at 33 Holborn. I know many of you past and present will have lots of great memories of working there and all the craziness that goes with running a big grocery retailer.”

He added: “But it’s also hello to our brilliant new pad, just across the road at 33 Charterhouse. Only our fourth ever store support centre since 1869. Looking forward to welcoming lots of you there in the months ahead.”

Changing times

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 would move to Given, who became Chief Technology, Marketing and Data Officer on 1st September, following Clodagh Moriarty’s move to Dunelm.

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

Simon Roberts, Chief Executive at Sainsbury’s, said: “With Mark uniting technology, marketing and data, 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.”

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.