Given has worked at Sainsbury’s since 2013 and was appointed CMO last year. His responsibilities include customer insight, marketing strategy, CRM, communications and the Nectar business.

Additionally, Clo Moriarty, previously chief digital director, has been appointed as retail and digital director.

Simon Roberts, who joined the retailer as chief executive earlier this week, made the promotions on his first day in the role. Roberts also planned to spend part of his first day with customers in listening groups, according to a company statement.

In a message to Sainsbury’s staff, Roberts said he was "proud" of the way in which the company had "listened to customers" during the past two months.

Roberts said: "Bringing together our retail and digital teams under Clo’s leadership will create a business that shows up in the same way for customers wherever they shop with us. Mark’s appointment to the operating board will ensure that we really understand how customers are feeling, what they’re thinking and how this affects the way they shop."

Roberts also said he would be spending more time with customers and listening to their feedback, adding: "I am really looking forward to hearing directly from people about what they want from us so we can change and adapt to ensure we are always meeting their needs."