Sainsbury's chief executive Justin King is to take up the vice president role at international food and grocery organisation IGD.

King succeeds Alastair Sykes, chairman and chief executive of Nestlé UK and Ireland, who became IGD president on 1 January. The vice presidency is a two-year term.

King said he was looking forward to supporting Sykes in driving the agenda of the Policy Issues Council (PIC), the industry leaders' forum hosted by IGD. The forum looks at the long-term challenges facing the industry.

"As well as health, nutrition and diet, which will remain front of mind for the industry this year, we will be exploring the major theme of sustainability," said King.

Sykes added: "PIC comes together to engage on several projects each year. These projects deliver important improvements across the industry, in areas where IGD members can work collaboratively rather than on an individual basis."

There was a great opportunity for the industry to drive positive change, he said, particularly in the areas of health and sustainability .

Chief executive Joanne Denney-Finch added: "I am pleased to have Justin as vice president. Sainsbury's is a valued supporter and we welcome Justin's energy and enthusiasm for tackling industry issues."

King has been chief ­executive of Sainsbury's since March 2004 and has passed the half-way stage of his three-year recovery programme at the supermarket.

Before joining Sainsbury's, he was director of food at Marks & Spencer, and prior to that held senior positions at Asda Wal-Mart.

He was also managing director of Häagen-Dazs UK and started his early career at Mars Confectionery and Pepsi International.

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