Sainsbury’s has promoted its online boss Clodagh Moriarty to the newly created role of chief digital officer.

Clodagh Moriarty

Clodagh Moriarty

Moriarty, who has been at the grocer for eight years, will take on responsibility for creating and leading the retailer’s digital strategy across Sainsbury’s, Argos, its Nectar loyalty scheme and Sainsbury’s Bank.

The promotion, which has earned Moriarty a seat on Sainsbury’s operating board, is effective immediately.

Sainsbury’s said Moriarty had been “instrumental” in growing its online grocery business and “driving customer innovation”.

She has been central to the supermarket giant’s moves to launch same-day delivery, its one-hour Chop Chop fulfilment proposition and SmartShop, which allows customers to scan items in-store using their smartphones.

Sainsbury’s boss Mike Coupe said: “The creation of the new group chief digital officer role demonstrates the importance we place in giving customers outstanding and seamless digital shopping experiences.

“Investment in this area is vital to our future success and I am confident that Clodagh has the expertise and leadership we need in this area.”

Moriarty added: “It’s a really exciting time to be working in retail, and digital innovation is key to making our customers’ shopping experiences easier.

“I am supported by talented colleagues across the group and see lots of opportunities to build on our existing platforms.”