> > Review of 2004

Justin King
became chief executive at Sainsbury in March. Nine months, the first recorded loss and several profit warnings later, he is fighting to restore JS.

After Roger Holmes’ departure from M& S, Stuart Rose was appointed to the board as chief executive, charged with reviving the chain’s fortunes.

Former Iceland MD and Big Food Group director Mike Coupe is now trading director of Sainsbury, reuniting him with ex-Asda colleague Justin King.

Roger Whiteside was made chief executive of Thresher in April after leaving Waitrose’s online grocery partner Ocado. Before that he was M&S head of food.

Budgens’ commercial director Mike Taylor became chief executive of the newly combined Musgrave Budgens-Londis business after a management reshuffle.

Ken McMeikan was in line for the role of chief executive of Tesco’s Japanese operation but took the job of retail director for Sainsbury last month.

Lawrence Christensen, logistics director of Safeway before its acquisition, became Sainsbury’s supply chain director in September.

Asda trading director for non-food Andy Bond was promoted to chief operating officer in August to take responsibility for retail, logistics and global George.

Musgrave Group’s financial director Chris Martin will take up the role of managing director when current incumbent Seamus Scally retires in April.

Somerfield group finance director Steve Back became group chief executive on September 1. He has been with the group for two years.

Bestway trading director Younus Sheikh became group cash and carry MD after founder Sir Anwar Pervez, now chairman, stepped down in July.

Steven Bell became joint managing director of Sainsbury’s at Bells after the Bells Stores business was acquired by Sainsbury in February.

Jacksons managing director Angus Oughtred became joint MD of Sainsbury’s at Jacksons after the c-store business was acquired by Sainsbury in July.

Jim Murphy Costco UK MD returned to headquarters in the US last month after being promoted to senior vice-president of international operations.