Sainsbury’s appoints two non-exec directors to board
Katie Bickerstaffe has held numerous leadership positions, including as co-CEO of M&S, while Steve Hare is currently CEO of The Sage Group
Sainsbury has today (3 April) announced that Katie Bickerstaffe and Steve Hare will join the board as non-executive directors following the AGM on 3 July 2025.
Bickerstaffe will be a member of the corporate responsibility and sustainability committee and the nomination and governance committee and Hare will join the audit and nomination and governance committees.
Bickerstaffe is a highly regarded retail and consumer business leader, bringing 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 and Ireland at Dixons Carphone. She also held roles at Somerfield Stores group, Dyson, PepsiCo and Unilever.
She 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.
On her appointment, 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.”
Hare 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, he 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.
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.”
In addition, 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 board since April 2021, to succeed him as senior independent director with effect from 3 July.
Commenting on the appointments, Martin Scicluna, chair of Sainsbury’s, 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.”
