Tesco’s Ken McMeikan has been appointed retail director for Sainsbury and will join the operating board in early 2005.
McMeikan has worked at Tesco for the last 14 years and was in line to take on the role of chief executive of its Japanese operations. He was to replace Scott Wheway, who was appointed as the new retail director for Boots the Chemist only a few weeks ago (The Grocer, October 30,p14).
However, a spokesman for Tesco said Wheway did not leave until the end of the year, so there was time to find a replacement for the Japanese role. McMeikan led this year’s
acquisition of Adminstore and its integration into the Tesco chain. Before joining Tesco, he worked for Sears. He said: “I am very excited to be joining Sainsbury at a time of great potential for the company and look forward to being able to play a key role in restoring its strong position in the UK grocery market.”
McMeikan will succeed Adam Fowle, who has decided to return to the leisure industry where he spent 17 years prior to joining Sainsbury.
Fowle leaves Sainsbury at the end of the year, after the Christmas trading period.
Sainsbury chief executive Justin King thanked him for his commitment and hard work and said that he had made a significant contribution during a very challenging time for the company.
Fiona McLelland