Sainsbury is planning to give its store managers more responsibility and autonomy as part of a major shake up of its retail operations. A spokeswoman said the retailer was simplifying its organisational structures and processes to improve both the quality and speed of decision making, as well as eliminating duplication and cost. "The new retail structures directly support these principles and will, at the same time, provide maximum support to stores and store colleagues as we continue with the process of business transformation." A key change sees Sainsbury replace its 25 district managers with 18 regional business managers (see page 66). But the multiple has also announced three new head office appointments. Geoffrey Adams joins on February 5 from Ahold's Polish operation, where he was CEO, to fill the new role of retail change director. Diane Vere has joined as retail performance director from Deloitte Touche where she was an interim manager. And Graham Naylor becomes retail support director. The multiple will announce further details of its new-look retail structure next month when it reveals more senior appointments. A Sainsbury spokeswoman said: "These changes are both radical and significant for the retail division. "The new structures, in particular the new role of regional business manager, will enable us to grow and improve our business while also managing costs effectively and will considerably strengthen our potential to compete in the marketplace." {{NEWS }}

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