// Sources say Sainsbury’s has singled out three internal candidates to replace CEO
// John Rogers, Simon Roberts, and Paul Mills-Hicks all named by sources
// Sainsbury’s denies such talks but doesn’t rule out replacing Mike Coupe
Sainsbury’s has denied speaking to internal candidates about replacing its current chief executive Mike Coupe after reports from the weekend suggested the supermarket is on the hunt for a new boss.
On Saturday the Telegraph reported that Sainsbury’s had “set the wheels in motion internally” in its search for a new chief executive following the grocer’s failed attempt to merge with Asda in April.
Citing two sources, the Telegraph said three internal candidates are tipped for the job: Argos boss John Rogers, Argos retail and operations director Simon Roberts, and Sainsbury’s food commercial director Paul Mills-Hicks.
According to the Telegraph, Sainsbury’s will also conduct a thorough external search.
Those claims were downplayed by Sainsbury’s on Sunday, who told the Times that no such talks were underway.
“We are not talking to internal candidates about succession planning for Mike and have been clear he has the full support of shareholders and the board,” a spokeswoman said to the paper.
Notably, the Sainsbury’s spokeswoman did not deny that there was no succession planning taking place:
“Every responsible business has potential succession plans for its [chief executive],” she added.
Coupe has been head of the retailer since 2014, with his leadership coming into question after the Competition and Markets Authority blocked the proposed £12 million Sainsbury’s-Asda merger from taking place for ten years.
Click here to sign up to Retail Gazette‘s free daily email newsletter
I think Sainsbury’s could benefit greatly by replacing Mr Coupe especially in the light of the costly failed merger with Asda.
Sainsbury’s have not felt innovative or aspirational since Justin King left. Coupe has been concentrating on external deals and has let Sainsbury’s slip.
Sainsburys is floundering. Mr Coupe has no original or real ideas other than cut. Stores don’t have fresh welcoming look. Items left in ailes. Firedoors blocked. Lack of stock, lack of staff, no customer service. 1 staff member doing work of 3. He has gotten rid of excellent staff. Got rid of staff trainers, got rid of staff morale and alienated the customer as well.