Sainsbury’s swipes Heineken’s Warby for top marketing role

Sainsbury’s has appointed Sarah Warby as its new marketing director, filling a long-standing vacancy.

Warby joins the retailer next week from Heineken, where she was UK marketing director. She will have responsibility for Sainsbury’s marketing activity across brand communications, non-food marketing, customer insights and loyalty.

“Sainsbury’s is one of the UK’s most high-profile and respected brands, with an enviable heritage and great values,” she said. “I’ve long admired it and am looking forward to building on its success.”

Sainsbury’s group commercial director Mike Coupe added: “Sarah played a huge role in Heineken’s UK success and has a great track record and reputation.  Her wealth of experience will further strengthen our excellent team at an exciting time for the business.”

Sainsbury’s announced in August that Mastercard’s Mark Horgan was set to become its new marketing director, ending a year-long hunt. However, Horgan did not take up the role, with the supermarket citing “personal reasons” for his decision.

And earlier this year head of non-food marketing Rebecca Singleton left Sainsbury’s to become Morrisons’ new marketing director.