David Furness

David has worked in the retail industry for almost forty years, with twenty years operating at a management board level.

With extensive experience in stores, he is currently the Director of Channel Operations at Sainsbury’s and leads its Operational Support departments, Contact Centres and Retail Transformation teams across Sainsbury’s, Argos and Habitat.

A retail expert following his time in food and DIY stores, David has been at the forefront of change in the last few years as Sainsbury’s transforms its operations across the UK.

David is passionate about the retail industry and its people, is committed to developing future generations of retailers and is an advocate for diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Originating from Halifax in Yorkshire, David now divides his time between London, where he is based for work and Ayrshire where he lives with his wife and youngest daughter. He became an ardent cyclist in his mid-forties and regularly organises charity cycle rides. David’s other interests include golf, travel and supporting his football team.