Sainsbury’s appoints Paula Nickolds as commercial director

Sainsbury’s has announced the appointment of Paula Nickolds as general merchandise and clothing commercial director at the group.

Formerly a managing director at John Lewis, Nickolds will join the supermarket chain in June and act as a member of the firm’s operating board.

In the role, Nickolds will be responsible for the commercial success of the supermarket’s general merchandise and clothing business, including Argos Habitat, and Tu clothing.

Simon Robers, chief executive at the company, said that Nickolds is a “highly respected, talented, and experienced retail leader”.

He added: “I am certain that under her leadership, our brands that deliver – Argos, Habitat and Tu – will continue to delight our customers and support everything we are doing in food. 

“Paula brings deep experience in product, brands and commercial leadership and she has a passion for understanding and delivering for customers.”

Nickolds provides the role with 25 years of experience at John Lewis, where she joined as a graduate trainee and worked in product, brand, and commercial before being named MD in 2017.

She said: “I’m excited to be joining Sainsbury’s. It is a retailer with fantastic heritage that is trusted by customers for its great combination of quality and value. 

“It’s an important and dynamic time for the retail sector and I am thrilled to join the team for the next phase of growth and innovation, as well as the opportunity to make a difference to millions of customers’ lives through the much-loved Argos, Habitat and Tu brands.”

Nickolds will take over from Mike Luck, who will leave the group in mid-July following an 18-year stint at the firm.