UK retailer Sainsbury’s has appointed Neil Chason as its regional operations manager for Northern Ireland.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more


Previously regional operations manager for the North East of England, Chason will now focus solely on Northern Ireland. He took up the role earlier this month.


He replaces David Davidson, who retains responsibility for stores in Scotland.


Neil said he is taking over the Regional Operations function at an exciting time for Sainsbury’s in Northern Ireland.


“Within the last 18 months Sainsbury’s in Northern Ireland has expanded its presence significantly with new stores opening in Dungannon, west Belfast and Carrickfergus. More stores are planned for the near future in Bangor, Dundonald and in Derry,” Chason said.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

He added that the firm was also making a GBP5m investment in its Newry store, one of the busiest Sainsbury’s outlets in the UK.


“Within a very short timeframe our employee base has risen from 2,500 full time employees to over 3,000. Sainsbury’s is now a major NI employer,” he said. “I believe that Northern Ireland is now one of the most exciting Sainsbury’s regions in the UK and I am very much looking forward to joining with my Northern Ireland colleagues in delivering a quality Sainsbury’s product to our increasing number of local customers.”


Asked whether the appointment may indicate the firm is looking to speed up expansion in Northern Ireland, a spokesperson for Sainsbury’s said: “There are plans for three more stores that are currently in the planning system for Bangor, Derry and Banbridge. Sainsbury’s has said that it is actively looking for further opportunities in Northern Ireland so they are on the lookout for new stores.”


The spokesperson said the rate of expansion would depend on the availability of sites and the size of the region.