Jones has been appointed business unit director for general merchandise
Sainsbury's head of clothing Richard Jones has been appointed business unit director for general merchandise, as the grocer ramps up its non-food offensive.

Jones, who joined Sainsbury's in 2003, will take over the role in January from Penny Teale, who is leaving the grocer. His new remit covers electricals, stationery, home and toys, entertainment, magazines and newspapers and global sourcing. He will no longer have any responsibility for fashion.

The role change has raised eyebrows in the industry, because Jones has worked in fashion retail for his entire career. During his tenure as head of clothing, Jones has built Sainsbury's clothing brand Tu into a£250 million-a-year business - sales have increased 65 per cent in two years.

Adrian Mountford, Sainsbury's buying and design director for Tu, will take on Jones's clothing responsibilities until a successor is found. 'We will be looking both internally and externally to fill that role,' said a spokeswoman.

Sainsbury's chief executive Justin King said that Sainsbury's non-food sales should hit£700 million by the end of March 2008, as part of his recovery plan.

Morrisons managing director Marie Melnyk has resigned from the supermarket after 31 years. She will leave on December 22.

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