Analysis: Sainsbury’s chief executive designate Mike Coupe’s to do list

1. Keep sales moving

Justin King’s remarkable record of 36 consecutive quarters of like-for-like growth has been cited as a key marker in gauging King’s legacy even before he ended months of speculation he is to step down. Coupe, who has long been tipped as his successor, will be keen to continue this record. But it looks like it won’t be easy - sales growth has slowed in recent quarters.

2. Maintain market share

Coupe will have to use his trading skills to ensure Sainsbury’s does not lose customers to the rapidly growing discounters and, perhaps more importantly, Waitrose. Sainsbury’s has been the only one of the big four grocers to grow market share over the last year as the larger supermarkets faced the squeeze from specialists. Coupe will also look to unequivocally overtake Asda to grab the second spot in terms of share behind Tesco.

3. Lead the troops

King was named Management Today’s Most Admired Leader in December and Coupe will hope to lead Sainsbury’s workforce in a similar manner. King is well liked within Sainsbury’s from shopfloor to boardroom as well as the supply base. Coupe, who regularly presents to suppliers, will hope to continue to develop Sainsbury’s strong links with UK food producers while becoming a figurehead to spur Sainsbury’s staff.

4. Take on the political mantle

Perhaps Coupe’s greatest challenge in stepping into Justin King’s shoes will be maintaining the political clout King has brought to the role. Whether it’s speaking out on tax or Sunday Trading, King’s opinions have been heard throughout the business and political community. Coupe will have to tread a fine line in creating his own political voice but not appearing to emulate King.

5. Deal with the media

Similarly, Coupe will have to ensure the legacy of King’s consummate relationship with the media continues. King has garnered fantastic press for the grocer from its Paralympic sponsorship to its unusual real life Christmas 2013 advert. Coupe has long been groomed for the role and has been presented to the media on many occasions. Notably it was Coupe, not King, who fronted Sainsbury’s loud protests against Tesco Price Promise last year.

6. Drive online innovation

While Sainsbury’s online grocery business has been growing strongly, the retailer has not taken a lead in driving innovation in the sector. Industry watchers will be keen to see Coupe drive digital initiatives at Sainsbury’s, which trails market leader Tesco in online food.

7. Keep the stores vibrant

Sainsbury’s has not been as impacted by the consumer trend away from big box grocery stores as its rivals Tesco and Asda. However, Coupe will have to ensure Sainsbury’s supermarket stores, which are now outnumbered by its convenience shops, remain an enjoyable shopping experience.

8. Broaden horizons overseas

The UK grocery sector has just experienced the worst Christmas in Justin King’s 30 years of retailing and volume growth has been hard to come by for some time in food. With little growth to go at in the UK, Coupe may be tempted to finally look overseas but will be mindful of the problems it experienced in the US and Egypt where it was forced to pull its operations.