Jones, who has held the role of director of general merchandise and global sourcing at Sainsbury’s since January last year, resigned last Friday. He joined Sainsbury’s five years ago to oversee the development of the TU clothing brand, which now generates about£300 million in sales.
The move will be a blow to Sainsbury’s, which has ambitious non-food plans. Alongside creating further space for non-food in stores, Sainsbury’s is also working on its non-food plans online.
It is not yet known when Jones will leave Sainsbury’s, although he has signed to a 12-month contract.
A spokeswoman for Sainsbury’s said: “This happens from time to time and we are in an industry where people tend to move around.
“Our strategy for non-food is in place and we are well down the track in rolling out those plans. We have a great non-food senior team in place with key hires from major competitors in recent months.”
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