
Sainsbury Family; Sainsbury's Director
Joining the Sainsbury's company in 1956, Simon gradually took over the responsibilities for administrative, financial and personnel management held by his uncle Robert Sainsbury. Building upon his accountancy training and experience in administration, he played a key role in updating Sainsbury's business infrastructure (especially in finance, administration, and distribution) and planning its future development. In particular he championed investment in the modernization of the company's antiquated distribution system and the introduction of an administrative structure that was reliant on professional managers. He established an evening shift in stores to replenish shelves at the end of each day. He was also responsible for the first application of computer technology to British food retailing. He was appointed Director of Financial Policy and Personnel in 1959.
Simon succeeded his elder brother John as Vice Chairman on the latter's appointment as Chairman in 1969. Working with his brother Timothy and cousin David, Simon was instrumental in managing the transformation of Sainsbury's into Britain's most successful food retailer, with his management of the company's 1973 flotation on the stock market integral to this growth. Simon took responsibility for this flotation, which was to become the biggest public flotation to date. It was also the first flotation to be advertised on television. Simon was involved in resolving industrial disputes during the 1970s.
From 1975, Simon began to hand over his responsibilities to Roy Griffin, who had succeeded him as personnel director, and then deputy chairman. Simon finally retired in 1979, but he maintained an involvement with the Sainsbury's arts sponsorship committee, as chairman from the programme's inception in 1981 to 1990. His involvement with this programme helped to win Sainsbury's a reputation as a progressive corporate arts sponsor, through involvement in existing arts programmes and 'own brand' events such as Sainsbury's choir of the year competition.
Simon was an active philanthropist, founding The Monument Trust in 1965 which gave support to a number of architecture charities including the National Trust. He also provided finance for research into HIV and AIDS.
DS/UK/153
1930-2006
27 The Vale, Chelsea, London
Related content
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The photograph shows Mr A.E. Snow (who was the manager of the first Cambridge branch when it opened, and later became Area Superintendent) talking to the Chairman, J.D. Sainsbury (see JS Journal October/November 1972). In the background is Peter Snow and Simon Sainsbury.
Image of Cambridge (44 Sidney Street) opening day: A.E. Snow talking to J.D. Sainsbury
SA/BRA/7/C/4/2/75
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Shows Simon Sainsbury talking to Mr Lovegrove (a former manager of Cambridge branch).
Image of Cambridge (44 Sidney Street) opening day: Simon Sainsbury, Mr Lovegrove, and J.D. Sainsbury
SA/BRA/7/C/4/2/84
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Kodachrome Transparency, processed by Kodak. Slide date stamped 'Aug 72' [processing date] and numbered 2.
Image of Cambridge (44 Sidney Street) opening day: Simon Sainsbury
SA/BRA/7/C/4/2/86
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The photograph shows customers entering the store, with Simon Sainsbury (Deputy Chairman) standing by the door welcoming customers.
Image of 2-6 Arndale Centre, Luton branch opening day: customers enter store
SA/BRA/7/L/22/3/17
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Includes: correspondence praising the private viewing of the Sainsbury's Images for Today exhibition at the Conference Centre, Rennie House held for members of The Contemporary Art Society on 17 January 1984; correspondence with The Contemporary Art Society regarding the payment of artists in connection with the advertisement [competition]; list of purchases of originals from the Sainsbury's Images for Today exhibition by Sainsbury's and by Directors and Departmental Directors; lists of invitees and acceptances to the special showing of the Sainsbury's Images for Today exhibition at the Conference Centre, Rennie House for members of The Contemporary Art Society on 17 January 1984; drafts of memoranda announcing the arrangement of the display of the Images of Today exhibition at the Conference Centre in January 1984; Sainsbury's Images for Today Exhibition Handlist 1982-1983; invitation to members of The Contemporary Art Society to attend the special showing of the Sainsbury's Images for Today exhibition at the Conference Centre on 17 January 1984; blank invitation from The Director of Bluecoat Gallery and Mr. Simon Sainsbury to a special preview of the Sainsbury's Images for Today exhibition at Bluecoat Gallery, Liverpool on 12 August 1983.
Sponsorship material relating to Images for Today
SA/CR/ASP/59/2
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Photographs of Simon Sainsbury (director at Sainsbury's from 1959, deputy chairman 1969 to 1979).
Images of Simon Sainsbury
SA/FAM/6/1
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These mixed papers cover a range of family members, including Simon, Timothy and David Sainsbury, some examples include: David Sainsbury: Information regarding the Sainsbury Laboratory. Observer press clipping, 30 September 1990, 'How to be a profitable and green grocer.' JS Journal [Sainsbury's staff magazine] profile of Mr David. The Sunday Times, 4 April 1993, The Top 400 Britain's Rich. Book, Wealth Creation and Jobs. Tapes recorded for the JS Journal concerning David Sainsbury's retirement. Mixed press cuttings relating to Mr David donating £200m to the Gatsby Charitable Foundation. Simon Sainsbury: Letter by Alan Sainsbury to all Senior Executives regarding the appointment of Mr Simon as a Director of J Sainsbury ltd. (1959) Timothy Sainsbury Press cutting relating to Timothy's wife, Susan Sainsbury being duped by a conman. Article by The observer 27 June 1993, 'Minding the Shop.' A magazine by Harpers & Queen (October 1985) that comments on Mr JD, Mr David, Mr Timothy and Mr Simon. Also mixed papers relating to the funeral arrangements for James Arthur Sainsbury, CBE, who died in 1984.
Mixed Sainsbury family papers
SA/FAM/GEN/5
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White metal rectangular name plates with the inscriptions, 'J.H.G. Barnes', 'Simon Sainsbury' and 'Private' from the '4th floor offices'.
Directors' name plates
SA/BL/1/3/2
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Photograph by David G Graham; image shows a reflected view through a mirror
Image of Princess Margaret with JD Sainsbury and Simon Sainsbury visiting Balham High Road, Balham branch
SA/BRA/7/B/1/3/17
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Photograph by David G Graham; image was used in July 1969 issue of 'JS Journal'
Image of Princess Margaret with JD Sainsbury and Simon Sainsbury visiting Balham High Road, Balham branch
SA/BRA/7/B/1/3/27
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The man on the left is Peter Snow, a Sainsbury's director. Centre left is Simon Sainsbury. Centre right is J.D. Sainsbury (Chairman). On the right is Mr A.E. Snow, who was the manager of the first Cambridge branch when it opened (and the father of Peter Snow on the left). Kodachrome Transparency, processed by Kodak. Slide date stamped 'Aug 72' [processing date] and numbered 33
Image of Cambridge (44 Sidney Street) opening day: Peter Snow, Simon Sainsbury, J.D. Sainsbury, A.E. Snow
SA/BRA/7/C/4/2/115