Sainsbury’s today announces organisational changes at Bells Stores Ltd (Bells Stores) and Jacksons Stores Ltd (Jacksons) to support its growth plans in the convenience food sector. These plans will create a total of 665 new jobs in the North of England over the next two years – 425 new jobs at Jacksons and 240 at Bells Stores.
A number of senior management changes are also being made. Steven Bell, Chief Executive of Bells Stores will retire from the business on 4 May 2005. Managing Director of Jacksons, Angus Oughtred, will take up the running of both Bells Stores and Jacksons from that date, reporting directly to Jim McCarthy.
A National Trading Team representing Sainsbury’s Convenience will be established under the leadership of Richard Lancaster. This Team will be based in the North at Melton, Hull and the existing trading teams will have the opportunity to take up positions within the new structure.
Jim McCarthy, Sainsbury’s Managing Director of Convenience said, “When Sainsbury’s acquired Bells Stores and Jacksons last year, we acquired two of the most respected and successful convenience store groups in the UK. Over the next three years, we have set ourselves stretching growth targets and we need to create a team in the North, which can drive the conversion programmes within Bells and Jacksons, as well as supporting the growth of the rest of our convenience business.
“Steven Bell has also decided to retire from the business. He has been the driving force behind the success of Bells Stores and has been totally committed to his team and the business. We wish Steven every success in his new business interests.”
Steven Bell, Chief Executive of Bells Stores said: ”When we secured the deal with Sainsbury’s last year, we were able to set the business firmly on course for the biggest expansion in its history. I have been totally committed to the team and the growth of the business, however, the time is now right for me to move on to focus on my other business interests. I would like to thank the team at Bells for their fantastic commitment and support and I wish them every success in the years to come.”
Angus Oughtred, Managing Director of Jacksons said: ”I feel both proud and honoured to lead both businesses through what will no doubt be extremely challenging, but exciting times. I will be meeting with the Bells team over the next few days to explain how the new structure will further develop our strong base in the North and support Sainsbury’s national convenience business.”
