J Sainsbury, the UK supermarket operator, has appointed 38 year-old Darren Shapland as its new finance director. He joins from carpet retailer Carpetright where he has been group finance director since 2002. Sainsbury's CEO Justin King said: "He has excellent experience in the retail sector and has undertaken a number of hands-on and broad financial roles."
Shapland replaces Roger Matthews, who announced in October that he would be leaving at the end of the company's financial year.
Howard Dodd is stepping down as finance director of Boots, two weeks after the retail company announced a profits warning.
Dodd, who has been in the post since April 2002, will stay on until May 19 when the company announces its annual results.
Dodd said: "I have been considering this decision since the turn of the year. I will now fulfil my commitment to complete this year's financial results and support Richard (Boots' CEO) in an orderly transition."