Directorate Change

Sainsbury(J) PLC
17 February 2004

J Sainsbury plc - Announcement regarding Non-Executive Deputy Chairman



The board of J Sainsbury plc and Sir Ian Prosser have each considered carefully
the reaction of certain institutional shareholders consulted on the appointment
of Sir Ian Prosser as deputy chairman and chairman designate.  As a result, Sir
Ian has concluded that it would not be in the best interests of the company to
proceed and has consequently decided to withdraw.



Sir Ian said 'I do not believe it is now in the best interests of Sainsbury for
me to take up this appointment.  Sainsbury is a great company which will have an
exciting future under the leadership of Justin King.  I greatly regret not being
part of that future'.



Sir George Bull said 'The board is grateful to Sir Ian for his consideration and
understanding in this matter'.



In the light of this development Lord Levene will continue as senior
non-executive director, and with Sir George Bull's imminent retirement from the
board, will also become chairman of the Nomination Committee.  The Nomination
Committee, on behalf of the Board, will commence a search for an alternative
candidate for deputy chairman to replace Sir Peter Davis as chairman after the
AGM in 2005.  Justin King joins Sainsbury's on 29 March 2004 to take on the role
of Group Chief Executive succeeding Sir Peter Davis.



For enquiries:

Investor Relations                                           Media

Roger Matthews                                              Jan Shawe

Lynda Ashton  [phone]             Pip Wood [phone]




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