Sainsbury’s general merchandise boss Paula Nickolds is leaving the UK supermarket chain to take on the job of CEO at luxury clothing brand, The White Company. This is just as Sainsbury’s gears up for a deeper dive into the fashion segment.
Nickolds, who oversaw the John Lewis department stores before, will take over as general manager of Sainsbury’s in March. In that period, the company expanded its fashion own-brands and brand alliances, both in-store and online. She takes over for Mary Homer, who has led The White Company for over seven years.
Chrissie Rucker, her new employer’s founder, called Nickolds a “passionate, values-driven leader who brings with her a wealth of retail experience across lifestyle, home and fashion as well as a proven track record of customer service excellence.”
Sainsbury’s said, “Over the past three years, Paula has led much progress across our Brands that Deliver strategy, making Argos Habitat and Tu considerably stronger and more competitive than pre-pandemic and she leave a strong team in place”.
Graham Biggart, the chief transformation officer of Sainsbury’s, will take up her duties. He will stay in his current position and become the chief transformation and general merchandise commercial officer.
Additionally, Matt Leeser, who will become general merchandise commercial director, will report to him. Leeser is now the business unit director for seasonal, toys, and electrical products.
