Graham Ruddick- 25 February 2025
The turnaround of Sainsbury's under Justin King is one of the most famous in UK corporate history. This episode of the Business Leader Podcast is the story of how it happened.
When King arrived as chief executive of Sainsbury's in 2004 the supermarket chain was in crisis. It had gone from the biggest food retailer in the UK to the third biggest behind Tesco and Asda, and sales were still falling. By the time King stood down in 2014, Sainsbury's sales had grown by more than 50 per cent, profits had tripled and the brand had been revitalised.
More than a decade on, King now looks back on the story with more candour and insight than ever before, including the story behind his rivalry with Tesco and chief executive Sir Terry Leahy.
Related and recommended
Rohan Blacker looks back at his time with e-commerce pioneer Sofa.com and explains the thinking behind his latest online furniture project
Leaders must realise the tech revolution can achieve its full potential only when human values remain central to change
A closer look at the Northern companies turning artificial intelligence into measurable business results
Many argue the five-day week is no longer fit for purpose, but can a four-day week really work for businesses?