The award, created to recognise the business personality who best represents achievement and longevity, acknowledges King’s sustained achievements within the business community during his career. Having joined Sainsbury’s in 2004 at a time when the supermarket was facing difficult circumstances, King led the business to 34 consecutive quarters of like-for-like sales growth, increased profits, and ensured that Sainsbury’s secured its highest market share for a decade in 2013.
King also pioneered several corporate social responsibility projects as part of the Sainsbury’s 2020 Sustainability Plan, launched in 2011, which have become a key part of his legacy since stepping down in July of this year. Sainsbury’s is currently the global leader in terms of Fairtrade retailing, and achieved its zero waste to landfill target. Sainsbury’s has also installed 82000 new solar panels, making it the largest solar array in Europe.
The Daily Telegraph Award for a Decade of Excellence in Business marks a personal achievement for King, having previously led Sainsbury’s to victory in the QBE FTSE 100 Business of the Year category at the 2013 National Business Awards.
Upon receiving the news, King said: “I am delighted to receive this award, recognising as it does achievement over the long term. Sainsbury’s is a truly great business, nearly 150 years old, and I was proud to lead another chapter in its long story of leadership and success.”
Nominees for the Award are shortlisted by the Business Desk at the Telegraph Group, and the winner was selected by the National Business Awards’ distinguished Advisory Board following a lengthy judging process to determine the nominee that has demonstrated the most outstanding leadership abilities.
Allister Heath, Deputy Editor of The Telegraph and member of the Advisory Board, said: “Justin is a deserved recipient of the Decade of Excellence in Business Award: a champion not just of British retail but sustainability. On behalf of The Telegraph, congratulations to this year’s inspirational winner.”
Justin King will receive the Award next week at the National Business Awards gala dinner ceremony, which will take place on Tuesday 11th November at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane.
The National Business Awards supports The Prince’s Trust, a charity that offers practical and financial support to young people who need it.
