Anna Ford is to step down as a non-executive director at Sainsbury’s after six years in the role.

The former BBC newsreader joined Sainsbury’s in May 2006 and headed the retailer’s corporate social responsibility committee. She will leave the supermarket at the end of December.

“It’s been a pleasure to have been part of one of the UK’s most successful companies and I leave knowing that Sainsbury’s is not only well positioned for further success, but that it has an outstanding reputation for sustainability, demonstrating the value of values,” she said.

Sainsbury’s chairman David Tyler added: “I would like to thank Anna for her outstanding contribution. We have benefited tremendously from Anna’s broad experience and skills”.

Meanwhile, Bob Stack will step down as a non-executive director at Sainsbury’s agm today.