Xavier Vidal has been appointed as business unit director for impulse grocery at Sainsbury.
Vidal is promoted from the role of category manager for frozen foods, replacing Lawrence Clube.
He joined Sainsbury last year from Tesco and the retailer said that since joining he had made significant improvements to the frozen foods ranges, significantly increased Sainsbury&'s market share in frozen foods and introduced new lines such as Taste the Difference, herbs and baby food.
He worked at Tesco for five years, when he was category manager for confectionery, biscuits and seasonal, and a buyer for hot beverages, sugar and cereals, and beers, wines and spirits.
In his new role Vidal will be responsible for a number of impulse areas, including beers, wines and spirits, petrol, tobacco, forecourts, confectionery, crisps, snacks and soft drinks.
Mike Coupe, trading director for Sainsbury, said: &"Xavier brings with him a wealth of experience which will benefit Sainsbury&'s future plans.&"