DIY retailer Wickes has hired former Sainsbury’s executive Martin Roberts as its new operations director.

Roberts joined Wickes last week and is undergoing a “comprehensive induction programme”, meaning he will officially take up his position in the New Year.

Roberts held a number of senior posts as Sainsbury’s and was a member of the retail and executive board. He was latterly head of retail distribution at Sainsbury’s Bank. He has also held the position of director of retail change as well as zone managing director.

Most recently Roberts was a director at management consultancy Kurt Salmon.

Roberts - who has 20 years retailing experience including stints at Tesco - replaces David Furness, who left Wickes in July to become new zone managing director for the north at Sainsbury’s.