David Wheeler, head of finance at Sainsbury’s, is to join the GroceryAid trustee board as treasurer.

Wheeler, who has been appointed to the position with immediate effect, has also been made chair of the finance committee.

He began his career at PwC, before moving to Home Retail Group as head of group commercial and financial accounting.

Following completion of the acquisition of Home Retail Group by Sainsbury’s, he supported the new management team with the initial integration of the two businesses. He subsequently moved into Sainsbury’s commerce finance leadership team to take on his current role.

As treasurer of GroceryAid and chair of the GroceryAid finance committee, Wheeler will oversee the charity’s finances and report back to the trustee board throughout the year.

Wheeler said: “I look forward to being able to contribute to sustaining the charity’s growth at a time of great challenge for the industry.”

GroceryAid chief executive Steve Barnes added: “These are important roles for GroceryAid and we are lucky to have someone of David’s calibre on board.”