The news comes as Sainsbury’s announces that its current director of corporate affairs, Mark Rigby, will be leaving the retail giant after three years to ‘pursue other interests’.
Cole, who was formerly managing director of Freud’s corporate practice, will join Sainsbury’s in January. Rigby will continue at the firm until the summer after a handover period.
Commenting on Cole’s appointment, Gwyn Burr, customer service and colleague director at Sainsbury’s, said: ‘With the recent launch of our ’20 x 20 Sustainability Plan’, Sainsbury’s has always aimed to be a leader in sustainability and ethics, and Alex’s experience will be crucial in enabling us to build on this.’
Prior to joining Freuds, Cole was global corporate affairs director at Cadbury, where she led the firm’s move to Fairtrade as well as communications during the takeover by Kraft Foods in 2010. She left Freuds in July this year after only nine months with the agency.
Cole said of her appointment: 'Sainsbury’s is a fantastic brand with a strong heritage and values, and it continues to set the benchmark for corporate responsibility.'
She began her career in public affairs working as special adviser to the Rt Hon Jack Straw MP.
Cole, who was formerly managing director of Freud’s corporate practice, will join Sainsbury’s in January. Rigby will continue at the firm until the summer after a handover period.
Commenting on Cole’s appointment, Gwyn Burr, customer service and colleague director at Sainsbury’s, said: ‘With the recent launch of our ’20 x 20 Sustainability Plan’, Sainsbury’s has always aimed to be a leader in sustainability and ethics, and Alex’s experience will be crucial in enabling us to build on this.’
Prior to joining Freuds, Cole was global corporate affairs director at Cadbury, where she led the firm’s move to Fairtrade as well as communications during the takeover by Kraft Foods in 2010. She left Freuds in July this year after only nine months with the agency.
Cole said of her appointment: 'Sainsbury’s is a fantastic brand with a strong heritage and values, and it continues to set the benchmark for corporate responsibility.'
She began her career in public affairs working as special adviser to the Rt Hon Jack Straw MP.
