Sainsbury’s today hired Paula Nickolds, one of the biggest names in UK retailing, to head up its clothing and general merchandise business.
Nickolds quit John Lewis as managing director in January 2020 after a 25 year career at the partnership.
She will now become a board member at Sainsbury in charge of its £7.8 billion division running Sainsbury’s general merchandise, Argos, Habitat and Tu clothing.
She takes over from Mike Luck, who is leaving after joining the company on the graduate scheme 18 years ago.
Simon Roberts, Sainsbury CEO said: “Paula brings deep experience in product, brands and commercial leadership and she has a passion for understanding and delivering for customers.”
He said Luck and his team had successfully relaunched the Habitat division and set up a lower cost base for the global commercial team.
Nickolds’ departure from John Lewis shocked the retail industry as she was highly rated for her work in streamlining the company during her brief two-year stint in charge. However, some pointed out that she left after lacklustre Christmas sales at the group.
A graduate trainee at the partnership, she quit soon after being given the newly created role of executive director of brand, which some saw as a demotion by then-chairman Sir Charlie Mayfield.
The blow to her was softened by a near-£1 million payout.
She said in a statement that she was “thrilled” to be taking up the role.
