Sainsbury’s has said that the chief executive of Argos is set to leave the business at the end of October to take a senior role with a public relations company.

John Rogers Argos

John Rogers

In a statement on the London Stock Exchange, Sainsbury’s said Argos boss John Rogers is to leave on October 31 to become chief financial officer at WPP, a multinational advertising and PR firm.

The retailer said Argos’ retail and logistics team will report to Simon Roberts, who is currently retail and operations director, while its commercial team will report to Sainsbury’s commercial director Paul Mills-Hicks.

It said there were would be “no additional changes to the operating board as a result” of Rogers’ departure.

Rogers said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time working at Sainsbury’s over the last 14 years and, in particular, the last three years as CEO of Sainsbury’s Argos.

“The opportunity to work with WPP, however, was too good to miss and I look forward to being a part of WPP’s leadership team as it embarks on its new strategy for growth.”

Sainsbury’s boss Mike Coupe said: “John has worked alongside me for over 14 years and has made an outstanding contribution to the business. He leaves Sainsbury’s with our best wishes for the future.”

Rogers joined Sainsbury’s in 2005, and joined its board in 2010, until 2016 when he was appointed chief executive of the newly acquired Argos. 

Prior to working for Sainsbury’s, Rogers was group finance director for Hanover Acceptances. He also sits on the non-executive board of Travis Perkins, and is a member of the Retail Sector Council.