Sainsbury’s has brought in Katie Bickerstaffe and Steve Hare to its board as non-executive directors.

Bickerstaff, who previously held the role of co-CEO of M&S, will be a member of the Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Committee and the Nomination and Governance Committee.

She stepped down from her role at upmarket retailer M&S after two years last July, and previously held numerous leadership positions, including as executive chair and CEO designate at SSE, and as CEO at Dixons Carphone UK and Ireland.

Bickerstaffe also held roles at Somerfield Stores group, Dyson, PepsiCo and Unilever, and is currently a non-executive director of Aberdeen Group, Barratt Redrow and a non-executive director and senior independent director of Diploma.

On her appointment, Bickerstaffe said: “Retail is an incredibly competitive sector and Sainsbury’s has a long-standing reputation for delivering exceptional value and quality to its customers. I’m excited to join the board and help Sainsbury’s to foster further innovation and excellence.”

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Hare, who is currently CEO of The Sage Group, will join Sainsbury’s Audit and Nomination and Governance Committees.

Prior to his current role, he worked at Apax Partners as operating partner and co-head of the portfolio support group. He also previously built over 10 years’ experience leading the finance function for three listed UK companies, including as CFO of Invensys, group finance director for Spectris, and CFO of Marconi.

Hare said: “I am thrilled to be joining the Sainsbury’s board at a very important time for the business. The Next Level Sainsbury’s strategy is an exciting vision for the future, and I look forward to working with the Board and leadership team to continue creating value for shareholders.”

Sainsbury’s chair Martin Scicluna added: “I am delighted to welcome Katie and Steve as non-executive directors. Their extensive experience and leadership in retail and digital businesses will be invaluable to our Board.

“Katie’s strong perspectives on digital transformation and Steve’s expertise in leading tech businesses will greatly contribute to our strategic direction. We look forward to their insights and contributions as we continue to drive Sainsbury’s forward.”

Meanwhile, Brian Cassin has notified the board that he will not seek re-election at the Sainsbury’s AGM on 3 July after nine years’ service. Adrian Hennah, who has been a member of the supermarket’s board since April 2021, has been appointed to succeed Brian as senior independent director with effect from 3 July.

Bickerstaffe and Hare’s appointments as non-executive directors will be subject to shareholder approval along with the re-election of all other directors at the AGM.