Sainsbury’s group development director Luke Jensen steps down

Jensen, who sat on Sainsbury’s operating board, stood down last week, Retail Week can reveal. It is understood Jensen is considering his next move.

Sainsbury’s has not named a direct replacement but is likely to “in due course”.

Over the course of his time at Sainsbury’s Jensen held roles including strategy director and managing director of non-food.

He oversaw initiatives such as Gok Wan’s involvement with Sainsbury’s clothing brand Tu, which grew to become the seventh biggest UK clothing brand by volume.

He also led the launch of the Mobile by Sainsbury’s joint venture with Vodafone and was closely involved in the shift to digital commerce through acquisitions such as that of e-books specialist Anobii.

Outgoing Sainsbury’s chief executive Justin King paid tribute to Jensen for the “significant contribution” he has made to the grocer’s success.

Jensen said: “It has been a privilege to work for such a fantastic business. However I feel the time is now right for a change and look forward to pursuing new opportunities”

Jensen’s departure comes as the leadership of Sainsbury’s changes. King will stand down in July after 10 years in charge and will be succeeded by commercial director Mike Coupe.

The grocer last month promoted Jon Rudoe to its operating board as digital and technology director. Separately, property director Neil Sachdev will leave at the end of this financial year after seven years at Sainsbury’s.