FTSE 100 retailer J Sainsbury has appointed one of its own in-house lawyers as head of legal services despite conducting a lengthy recruitment process.

The supermarket giant has confirmed that Nick Grant will replace David Thurston, the veteran head of legal who retired in May last year after 18 years with the company. Grant has been with Sainsbury’s for seven years, during which time he rose to deputy head of legal. He has also been acting head of legal since Thurston’s departure.