Mike Coupe is set to leave his role as CEO of Sainsbury’s, with Simon Roberts to replace him.

After almost six years as chief executive officer and fifteen years working for Sainsbury’s, Coupe will retire from the role at the end of May 2020. Roberts will assume the role from 1st June 2020.

Coupe will still remain a director from 1st June until the AGM on 2nd July 2020, at which point he will retire from the company completely.

Speaking on his decision, Mike Coupe said: “I feel very privileged to have spent almost six years running Sainsbury’s, in a period that has been the most challenging and competitive of my 35 year career in retail.

Simon Roberts will assume his new role as CEO from the 1st June 2020.

“This has been a very difficult decision for me personally. There is never a good time to move on, but as we and the industry continue to evolve, I believe now is the right time for me to hand over to my successor. I will do everything I can to set Simon up for success and will remain committed to Sainsbury’s well beyond my departure.”

Simon Roberts said: “As we come together, I am feeling hugely energised by what we can do for our customers and our colleagues. I firmly believe in our ability to create value for our shareholders as we continue to evolve and adapt this great business for the future.

“I would also like to thank Mike for his leadership of Sainsbury’s over the past six years and for all his support since I joined the business. I have huge admiration for him. He is an outstanding retail leader and I look forward to working closely with him as we hand over in the coming months.”