J Sainsbury plc (LON:SBRY) has announced that Katie Bickerstaffe and Steve Hare will join the Board as Non-Executive Directors following the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 3 July 2025. Katie will be a member of the Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Committee and the Nomination and Governance Committee and Steve will join the Audit and Nomination and Governance Committees.
Katie is a highly regarded retail and consumer business leader, bringing strong perspectives on digital business models and transformation programmes. She has held numerous leadership positions, including as Co-CEO of M&S, Executive Chair and CEO Designate at SSE and CEO, UK & Ireland at Dixons Carphone. She also held roles at Somerfield Stores group, Dyson, PepsiCo and Unilever. Katie is currently a Non-Executive Director of Aberdeen Group plc, Barratt Redrow plc and a Non-Executive Director and Senior Independent Director of Diploma plc.
Steve is a very experienced leader of digital and tech businesses. He is currently CEO of The Sage Group plc and previously worked at Apax Partners as Operating Partner and Co-Head of the Portfolio Support Group. Prior to this, Steve built over 10 years’ experience leading the finance function for three listed UK companies, including as CFO of Invensys plc, Group Finance Director for Spectris plc and CFO at Marconi PLC.
Brian Cassin has notified the Board that he will not seek re-election at the Sainsbury’s AGM on 3 July after nine years’ service. The Board has appointed Adrian Hennah, who has been a member of the J Sainsbury plc Board since April 2021, to succeed Brian as Senior Independent Director with effect from 3 July.
Commenting on the appointments, Martin Scicluna, Chair of J Sainsbury, said:
“I am delighted to welcome Katie and Steve as Non-Executive Directors. Their extensive experience and leadership in retail and digital businesses will be invaluable to our Board. Katie’s strong perspectives on digital transformation and Steve’s expertise in leading tech businesses will greatly contribute to our strategic direction. We look forward to their insights and contributions as we continue to drive Sainsbury’s forward.”
“I would also like to thank Brian for his commitment and dedication to Sainsbury’s. He has been on the Board for nine years and throughout his time with us he has provided invaluable leadership. We wish him all the best for the future.”
Katie Bickerstaffe said:
“Retail is an incredibly competitive sector and Sainsbury’s has a long-standing reputation for delivering exceptional value and quality to its customers. I’m excited to join the Board and help Sainsbury’s to foster further innovation and excellence.”
Steve Hare said: “I am thrilled to be joining the Sainsbury’s board at a very important time for the business. The Next Level Sainsbury’s strategy is an exciting vision for the future, and I look forward to working with the Board and leadership team to continue creating value for shareholders”
The appointments of Katie Bickerstaffe and Steve Hare as Non-Executive Directors will be subject to shareholder approval along with the re-election of all other Directors at the AGM. No further information is required to be disclosed under 6.4.6R and 6.4.8R of the UK Listing Rules.
