Sainsbury’s has appointed Paula Nickolds, formerly Managing Director of John Lewis, as the new Commercial Director of its general merchandise and clothing business.
She will join the retailer next month, replacing Mike Luck who will leave in mid-July following a handover period.
Nickolds will be responsible for Sainsbury’s £7.8bn general merchandise and clothing operation, which includes general merchandise in its supermarkets, Argos, Habitat and Tu clothing.
Nickolds spent 25 years working for the John Lewis Partnership and was appointed MD of its department store chain in 2017. She left the role in January 2020 following a disappointing Christmas and a restructuring of the group’s management team.
Simon Roberts, Sainsbury’s Chief Executive, commented: “Paula brings deep experience in product, brands and commercial leadership and she has a passion for understanding and delivering for customers. We are all looking forward to her joining our team.”
Roberts also thanked Luck for his service, highlighting how his team had successfully relaunched the Habitat division, set up a lower cost base, and significantly grown sales in Argos.
Nickolds added: “It’s an important and dynamic time for the retail sector and I am thrilled to join the team for the next phase of growth and innovation, as well as the opportunity to make a difference to millions of customers’ lives through the much-loved Argos, Habitat and Tu brands.”
