Findley leaves The Works after two years as Tooms joins from Asda

Nina Findley, commercial director at The Works, has left the business after two years to join Sainsbury’s, with Lynne Tooms stepping into her role. 

Findley joined the retailer in June 2021 to accompany a change in strategy as trading director Andrea Bennett left the chain following a 30-year stint. Findley helped with the push to expand its frontlist book ranges and capitalise on trends on TikTok, to boost its “credibility and reputation” as a bookseller. 

Tooms has joined the retailer from George at Asda. 

A spokesperson for The Works told The Bookseller: “After two years at The Works Nina left the business in June to join Sainsburys.  

“As commercial director she had a significant impact on the business, particularly around evolving our customer proposition and expanding our frontlist book ranges which has helped us make good progress on our ‘Better, not just Bigger’ strategy. We wish her all the best for the future.

“We are delighted to announce that Lynne Tooms has joined The Works as our new commercial director.  

“Lynne has over 30 years’ buying and merchandising experience, having worked at New Look, Next and most recently George at Asda. Lynne is leading our overall product and sourcing strategy building on the recent improvements to our product proposition, ensuring it continues to evolve and more closely aligns with our purpose inspiring reading, learning, creativity and play.  

“She’s a fantastic cultural fit for the business and we’re excited to have her on board.”