The boss of Sainsbury’s Argos business is stepping down to join advertising giant WPP as its new Chief Financial Officer.
Having previously served as Sainsbury’s CFO for over six years, John Rogers took on the Chief Executive role at Argos in 2016 following the supermarket group’s acquisition of the catalogue shopping retailer.
After he leaves the business at the end of the month, Argos’s retail and logistics teams will report into Simon Roberts, Retail and Operations Director and Argos’s commercial team will report into Paul Mills-Hicks, Commercial Director. The group added that there would be no additional changes to its Operating Board as a result of the move.
Rogers had been regarded as a leading contender to succeed Sainsbury’s CEO Mike Coupe, whose has faced criticism over the failed attempt to merge with Asda and weak trading performance. However, after unveiling plans last week for a major cost-cutting programme and a shake-up of its store estate, Coupe again dismissed suggestions that he is set to be replaced.
Commenting on the Rogers’ departure, Coupe said: “John has worked alongside me for over fourteen years and has made an outstanding contribution to the business. He leaves Sainsbury’s with our best wishes for the future.”
Rogers added: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time working at Sainsbury’s … The opportunity to work with WPP, however, was too good to miss and I look forward to being a part of WPP’s leadership team as it embarks on its new strategy for growth.”
NAM Implications:
- Just a step on the way to amalgamation of Argos and Sainsbury’s systems…
- …as in most mergers/takeovers…
