Justin King

Best known for his ten-year leadership at Sainsbury's, Justin King led the company through thirty-six consecutive quarters of growth, making it Britain’s second-biggest supermarket. His tenure culminated in being named “Most Admired Business Leader” by Management Today as well as “Britain’s Most Impressive Businessman” in the IPSOS-MORI Captains of Industry Report. Recently, King has taken the interim role of Chairman of Manor Marussia F1 Team, reflecting a lifelong interest in the sport.

A Branded Start. King’s early career encompassed roles at Mars, Pepsi, and Haagen Dazs. Mars provided a pivotal experience, firming his views on leadership and a collegiate approach. At Pepsi, he worked in the Middle East, later moving to Grand Met to bring Haagen Dazs to Europe. King ran the UK business, being responsible for the now famous, ground-breaking advertising campaigns.

Crossing into Retail. In 1993, after being approached by Allan Leighton, King joined Asda. Over the next seven years, he was part of the leadership team that saw Asda being acquired by Walmart. King led the opening of the first Walmart supercenters in the UK before joining M&S. At M&S, he led the food business, working under Luc Vandevelde, and developed the Simply Food format.

Making Sainsbury's Great Again. During his ten years at Sainsbury's, King reconnected the business with its 145-year history. The business enjoyed substantial growth and is famed for its unique values-led positioning, which has helped it continue to win in increasingly challenging conditions. Sainsbury's groundbreaking sponsorship of the Paralympics and its industry-leading 2020 sustainability plan have helped create a far-reaching legacy. Additionally, King’s leadership is noted for his ability to intertwine the company's long history with modern, values-driven positioning.

Other Interests. King is well-known for his interests in sport and served on the board of LOCOG, the organizing committee for the 2012 London Olympic and Paralympic Games. His own sporting exploits include annual fundraising efforts for sport and comic relief, running thirty-four separate miles around the UK over four days with a colleague from every store in Sainsbury's in 2012 and 2014. A self-confessed petrol head, King avidly follows his son Jordan’s career as he pursues F1 racing.