Chief financial officer at Sainsbury’s, John Rogers has been promoted to chief executive of Home Retail Group as the supermarket chain finalises the takeover of the Argos owner and will be replacing John Walden who will be stepping down on the same date.

Operating from Milton Keynes, where Home Retail Group’s headquarters is based, Mr Rogers’ major responsibility will be to combine Argos with Sainsbury’s non-food business and to continue with the digital transformation and performance of Home Retail.

Ed Barker, Sainsbury's group finance director will replace John Rogers on a temporary basis. Mr Barker who came from Burberry, started with Sainsbury’s in 2008 and has held his current position since March 2012.

Chief executive of Sainsbury’s, Mike Coupe, said:  “I am delighted to appoint John as Chief Executive of HRG upon completion of our proposed acquisition of the business. John is a highly talented member of the team and has played a major role in delivering our performance and strategy at Sainsbury's. John’s expertise goes beyond his finance role; his leadership expertise in strategy, digital, online and property make John the ideal candidate to lead HRG and ensure we deliver our ambition to be the leading multi-channel, multi-product retailer of choice for customers.

“Ed has extensive senior finance experience within retail, including eight years at Sainsbury’s. His in-depth knowledge of the business as well as his proven leadership of the Group Finance function will serve our business well during this interim period.  We will now undertake a thorough search process for John’s permanent replacement.”

Mr Rogers added: “The combination of Sainsbury’s and Argos is an exciting one for customers, colleagues and shareholders. I am delighted to have the opportunity to lead and work with the talented teams at HRG and to develop the business further as one of the UK’s leading retailers.”

It has been advised that completion of the acquisition is likely to be in the third quarter after the Competition Markets Authority concludes its inquiry.

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