Directorate Change

Sainsbury(J) PLC
31 January 2003



Stuart Mitchell appointed managing director of Sainsbury's Supermarkets


Sainsbury's has appointed Stuart Mitchell as managing director of Sainsbury's
Supermarkets from 1st February, reporting to Peter Davis, group chief executive.
Sara Weller becomes deputy managing director.  Both are group board directors
of J Sainsbury plc.


Stuart Mitchell (42) will be responsible for day-to-day management of the
supermarket business and will lead the supermarket management team.  Peter Davis
will continue to chair the supermarket board.  Directors responsible for
Trading, Retail, Supply Chain, Formats and Finance will report to Stuart.


Sara Weller (41) will report to Stuart on Sainsbury's Supermarkets matters and
will have specific responsibility for Marketing, On Line, Strategic Planning and
Business Development and Human Resources.  At Group level, she will continue to
be responsible to Peter Davis for Sainsbury's Bank and to continue to be
involved in a number of strategic group initiatives.  Imelda Walsh joins the
supermarkets board as Human Resources director reporting to Sara.


John Adshead steps down from the supermarkets board but will remain on the group
board as Group HR and IT director until his retirement at the end of March 2004.
He continues with his responsibility for the business transformation and IT
programmes.

Peter Davis said 'Since Stuart and Sara became assistant managing directors in
autumn 2001 they have both made significant contributions to the achievement of
our recovery plans and have expanded their own management experience.  At this
time, leadership continuity is particularly important and I am very pleased to
confirm these appointments, which strengthen our senior management team.'


For enquiries:


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