Directorate Change

Sainsbury(J) PLC
14 March 2005





14 March 2005

J Sainsbury plc appoints new chief financial officer

Darren Shapland (38) has been appointed chief financial officer for Sainsbury's
and will join both the supermarket's operating and plc boards. The effective
date of this appointment has not yet been determined.

Darren joins from Carpetright plc where he has been group finance director since
2002. He has a strong track record in retail brands having previously been
finance director for Superdrug Stores plc and spent 12 years in a variety of
operational and financial posts with Arcadia plc (previously Burton Group).

Darren replaces Roger Matthews who announced his intention to leave Sainsbury's
in October 2004. Roger will stay with the company until after the preliminary
results in May 2005.

Justin King, chief executive said: 'I'm delighted that Darren will be joining
Sainsbury's. He has excellent experience in the retail sector and has undertaken
a number of hands-on and broad financial roles.  He will be a great asset to
Sainsbury's and the company's management team as we continue to implement the
plans outlined last October.'

Darren Shapland  said: 'I believe the Sainsbury's brand has great potential and
look forward to being able to play a key role in the company's future plans.'

Philip Hampton, chairman of Sainsbury's said, 'I'm pleased to welcome Darren to
the plc board and look forward to working with him.  I'd also like to thank
Roger Matthews for his significant contribution to Sainsbury's during a time of
great change for the company.'

Notes

•         Roger Matthews joined J Sainsbury plc in 1999 from Compass plc.
•         Darren's base salary will be £400k and he will be enrolled in
          Sainsbury's annual bonus plan and other approved executive share 
          schemes.
•         Career summary for Darren Shapland
          2002 to date: Carpetright plc           Group Finance Director
          2000 - 2002:  Superdrug Stores plc      Finance Director
          1988 - 2000:  Arcadia plc (formerly Burton Group) A number of posts 
                        including Joint Managing Director, Arcadia Home Shopping;  
                        Finance Director of Arcadia brands: Finance Director, 
                        Top Shop/Top Man (Burton Group) and Director  of
                        Supply Chain Programme, (Burton Group).
•         In accordance with Rule 16.8 of the listing rules, when the effective
          date is known a stock exchange annoucment will be made



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