Ocado appoints new non-executive director

Ocado Group has appointed Rachel Osborne as an independent non-executive director with effect from September 2023 amid recent takeover speculations.

Osborne will also be a member of the audit committee and the people committee, such appointments taking place on the date of her appointment to the board.

She was previously the chief executive officer of Ted Baker, stepping down from the role in June 2023, and has previously served as the chief financial officer of Debenhams, Domino’s and Pizza Group. In addition, she was finance director of the John Lewis Division within the John Lewis Partnership. 

Ocado said Osborne brings a wealth of executive experience in large, global organisations and has both strong retail and consumer experience and business to business experience.

Tim Steiner, chief executive officer of Ocado, said: “I am very excited to welcome Rachel to our board. Rachel’s significant experience in transformation and her commercial mindset will be a real asset as Ocado Group continues to expand globally and seeks to enter into new non-grocery markets.” 

Commenting on her decision to join the Ocado board, Osborne said: “I am delighted to be joining the Ocado group board at an exciting time for the Group with new innovations driving efficiency and growth to deliver existing and new opportunities globally. I am looking forward to working with the rest of the Board to continue Ocado’s journey.”

The company further announced that Michael Sherman will retire from the board with immediate effect providing him more time to focus on his expanded executive role at Barclays UK. 

Rick Haythornthwaite, chairman of Ocado, added: “The board is grateful to Michael for his service and contributions to the company and as a member of the audit and people committees during his tenure. I personally wish him every success in the future.”