David Keens is set to join the Sainsbury's board as a non-executive director.
Keens will join the company's board on 29 April 2015. He will also become chairman of the audit committee on 8 July 2015. The move follows the previously announced retirement of Gary Hughes, who will step down at the company’s AGM on 8 July.
Keens was the group finance director of Next from 1991 to March 2015.
Commenting on the appointment David Tyler, Sainsbury’s chairman, said: 'First, I would like to thank Gary very much for everything he has done for Sainsbury’s over the last ten years. He has been a highly effective chairman of the audit committee and has made a very valuable contribution to the board.
'We are delighted to welcome David Keens as a non-executive director. His deep retail experience and his knowledge of fast-moving consumer business are particularly relevant at a time when we are growing our own successful non-food ranges. This, together with his considerable skills in finance, makes him an ideal addition to our Bboard.'
Executive directors are Mike Coupe, chief executive officer, and John Rogers, chief financial officer. Non-executive directors at Sainsbury's are Matt Brittin, Mary Harris, Gary Hughes, John McAdam, Jean Tomlin and Susan Rice.