J Sainsbury plc announced that Katie Bickerstaffe and Steve Hare will join the Board as Non-Executive Directors following the Annual General Meeting 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.
