Richard Lancaster, trading director for Jacksons Stores, has been appointed as Trading and Marketing Director for Sainsbury’s Convenience Division.

Lancaster will take overall accountability for trading and marketing for Jacksons, Bells, Sainsbury’s local and Beaumont, reporting directly to Jim McCarthy.

Lancaster said: “There is a fantastic opportunity to combine the power of the Sainsbury’s brand and fresh food offer with the expertise of neighbourhood convenience trading inherent in the Jacksons, Bells and Beaumonts businesses.

“Sainsbury’s has a current high quality estate of 260 stores and we have every intention of being the benchmark in the convenience sector. I intend to ensure that we set the standards that others aspire to.”