Ex-Boots boss moves to Sainsburys

Supermarket giant Sainsbury’s has appointed former Boots boss Simon Roberts as its new retail and operations director, replacing Asda-bound Roger Burnley.

Roberts quit dual role as executive vice president of Walgreens Boots Alliance and president of Boots in the UK and Ireland in July.

He joined Nottingham-based Boots as a regional director in 2003 and worked his way up the business to become responsible for the firm’s 2,500 UK and Ireland stores.

He previously spent 14 years at M&S, where he held various roles across the retailer’s stores and operations.

Roberts will step into the role vacated by Roger Burnley, after he was poached by big four rival Asda last year.