The chief executive of Sainsbury’s has said investment in digital is vital to the supermarket group’s future success after the company appointed its first chief digital officer.
Clodagh Moriarty, who has been at Sainsbury’s for eight years, has been promoted to the operating board as group chief digital officer with immediate effect.
Moriarty will create and lead the group’s digital strategy, ensuring that customers experience an “integrated and seamless” digital experience Sainsbury’s, Argos, Sainsbury’s Bank and Nectar.
“The creation of the new Group Chief Digital Officer role demonstrates the importance we place in giving customers outstanding and seamless digital shopping experiences,” said group CEO Mike Coupe.
“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 most recently held the position of director of online, running Sainsbury’s’ Groceries Online business.
In this role she has been instrumental in growing online sales and profitability and driving customer innovation, including introducing same-day grocery delivery, one-hour grocery delivery in Chop Chop and SmartShop, which lets customers scan products themselves as they shop in stores.
She says digital innovation is “key” to making customers’ shopping experiences easier.
“I am supported by talented colleagues across the group and see lots of opportunities to build on our existing platforms,” Moriarty added.
“I am delighted to be joining the operating board at such a pivotal time for our company.”