Darren Shapland, Sainsbury’s influential group development director, is to leave the retailer this summer.

Shapland, who has worked at Sainsbury’s since August 2005, will leave on 13 July, to “pursue a number of personal interests”. He will remain as non-executive chairman of Sainsbury’s Bank.

“It has been a real pleasure to work within a successful team at Sainsbury's, helping my colleagues implement the turnaround of the company and the move from recovery to growth,” he said.

“The business is in great shape and this feels an appropriate time to move on so that I can pursue a number of my personal interests. I am pleased to continue to be involved with the company in my ongoing role at Sainsbury's Bank.”

Shapland will be replaced by Luke Jensen, the retailer’s managing director for non-food. Jensen will assume Shapland’s existing responsibilities except for convenience, the bank and property.

Chief executive Justin King will assume direct responsibility for the convenience business, chief financial officer John Rogers will add property to his remit.

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