Sainsbury’s head of own-label product development and innovation Claire Hughes has left the supermarket.
The Grocer understands Hughes has stepped down for personal reasons and left the business last week. James Campbell, director of fresh product innovation, has been appointed as her replacement, under the new role of director of product and innovation.
Hughes is highly regarded within the business for her role in transforming Sainsbury’s own-label and innovation strategy, including a restructure and expansion of its in-house food development teams at its Holborn HQ.
During her seven-year spell overseeing all elements of its NPD efforts, Sainsbury’s rate of innovation has tripled. Much of the recent focus has been on its premium Taste the Difference range, which topped £1.8bn in sales last year.
She joined the supermarket from M&S, where she spent nearly 13 years in a number of food development and nutrition roles. She is also chair of Industry Council for Packaging & the Environment and sits on the British Nutrition Foundation’s advisory committee.
“After seven incredible years, I have said farewell to Sainsbury’s,” Hughes wrote on LinkedIn. “The last seven years have been an amazing journey full of purpose, challenge and working with brilliant people but I’ve decided to take a break to focus on family.”
She said she was “proud” of everything achieved during her seven years at the supermarket. “None of which would have been possible without the energy and support of amazing colleagues across Sainsbury’s and the supplier network. I’ve learnt so much from all of you and will miss working with you, especially my brilliant team.
“Now for some much-needed family focus and then I’ll be ready for a new adventure,” Hughes added.
The Scot is the second major name to leave Sainsbury’s senior ranks this week, after it was announced that chief technology officer Clodagh Moriarty had been appointed as the new CEO of homeware giant Dunelm from 1 October.
Hughes’ successor Campbell is also highly regarded within Sainsbury’s since joining from Greencore in 2022, where he was head of food. Prior to that he was also at M&S, where he spent four years in product development.
Sainsbury’s has been approached for comment.
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