Sainsbury’s chief technology officer Clo Moriarty is set to leave the supermarket to join Dunelm as CEO.
Moriarty will join the homeware giant on 1 October to replace outgoing CEO Nick Wilkinson, who announced his retirement in February.
During her 15 years at Sainsbury’s – the last five as its chief technology officer and member of its operating board – Moriarty has gained a reputation as one of the sector’s most capable technology leaders.
She has overseen the supermarket’s embrace of AI across its stores and head office. She was behind the rollout of the Blue Yonder forecasting software, which CEO Simon Roberts has called a “game changer” for the supermarket’s availability levels.
The Grocer understands Sainsbury’s is yet to have found her replacement.
“Dunelm is a fantastic business which I have followed and admired for many years, so to be joining as CEO is a real privilege,” Moriarty said, in a statement to the London Stock Exchange today.
“Our homes play a central part in our lives and Dunelm has a very special role in helping customers to create a space which is truly their own.
“Even from the outside, its values, purpose and culture are plain to see, which is credit to the thousands of committed colleagues across the business. Nick and the team have done an incredible job growing the business, its channels and its capabilities over recent years in service of Dunelm’s customers. We have an amazing platform to build from, and I can’t wait to get started.”
Moriarty was promoted to Sainsbury’s operating board in 2018 in the newly created role of group chief digital officer, after a hugely successful spell as online director. She introduced same-day and developed early versions of Sainsbury’s Chop Chop one hour delivery service. Sainsbury’s smartshopping tool Smart Shop was also rolled out under her watch.
In a statement issued after the Stock Exchange announcement, Roberts praised Moriarty’s “huge contribution” to Sainsbury’s success.
“Clo has been offered a fantastic opportunity to become a CEO, reflecting her talent, capability and leadership. We are incredibly grateful for everything Clo has done and she leaves with our thanks and very best wishes for what’s to come,” he said.
Wilkinson will remain in his role until Moriarty’s appointment and will step down from the company’s board in September.
“We are thrilled to be appointing Clo as our new CEO,” said Dunelm chair Alison Brittain. “She is a proven industry leader and brings an impressive range of skills and experience from one of the UK’s largest retailers, where she has played a prominent role in developing the Sainsbury’s offer to drive market share gains over a number of years.
“Clo was the standout candidate from a strong field, and we are delighted that we have been able to attract such a talented and high-calibre executive. As Nick hands on the baton, we are confident that her blend of retail, digital and strategic expertise will be a significant asset as we move into our next phase of growth as the home of homes,” Brittain said.
No comments yet