Ocado didn’t make much of a song and dance about the eye-catching appointment of former Sainsbury’s executive Luke Jensen.

The online grocer revealed today – at the bottom of page six of its full-year results – that the ex-Sainsbury’s group development director was joining the business in the newly created role of chief executive of its Ocado Smart Platform.

Perhaps the etailer has learned its lesson not to shout things from the rooftops, 12 months after the passing of the deadline that boss Tim Steiner originally set Ocado to sign an international partnership.

But Jensen’s arrival next month could prove pivotal in making sure the firm finally delivers on Steiner’s promise, by selling its Ocado Smart Platform to an overseas partner.

During a six-year stint at Sainsbury’s, Jensen was responsible for sourcing offices in Hong Kong, Bangladesh and Shanghai when serving as managing director for clothing, general merchandise and entertainment.

He also oversaw Sainsbury’s M&A and international plans as part of his role as strategy director.

Steiner will be hoping such overseas experience and connections give him something to chant about in the coming months.

Elsewhere today, Retail Week revealed that BrightHouse is wielding the axe on 10% of its store estate as part of its new strategy and also took a look at the five fastest-growing retailers in shopping centre locations.

Quote of the day

“There is an alternative path for retail where focused investment and policy changes can stimulate innovation, create better jobs and help to renew the vitality and fabric of urban and rural communities.”

Former Morrisons executive Norman Pickavance, who led a Fabian Society taskforce looking at the future of the retail industry.

Today in numbers

28
The number of stores BrightHouse is closing as part of its new strategy. 

31%
The rise in sales of Chinese ready-meals at Waitrose last week, driven by Chinese New Year celebrations.

Tomorrow’s agenda

With no formal updates expected, check out the five fastest-contracting retailers in UK shopping centres and our video from the Toy Fair, featuring Hawkins Bazaar boss David Mordecai.  

Luke Tugby, deputy news editor

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