The John Lewis Partnership has announced that Peter Ruis has decided to step down as MD of John Lewis, and Will Kernan, currently non-executive board member of the partnership, will take on the role.
Peter returned to John Lewis in January 2024, after a number of retail leadership roles, having previously been with the retailer for nine years – latterly as buying and brand director – and led a significant modernisation of the brand.
Will has held several senior retail leadership positions over a 35-year career. He has served as the CEO of River Island, The White Company, Wiggle and had a 13-year tenure at New Look, holding various roles ranging from group FD to group trading director, COO and group MD.
Most recently, Will was chairman of Neptune, supporting the furniture and kitchen retailer's transformation. Will joined the John Lewis Partnership's board as a non-executive director in 2023.
Peter Ruis says: “After nearly three years of significant investment and modernisation, the business is now on a much stronger footing. I'm so proud of what we've achieved, and there is so much more still to come. I would like to thank our customers, partners, brands and suppliers for their incredible support and I wish Will the best of luck as he takes up the reins.”
Will says: “Having served on the partnership's board for three years, I have a clear understanding of the John Lewis business and a huge appreciation for the partnership's values and employee-ownership model. We have significant headroom for growth and I'm looking forward to leading the team to ensure John Lewis remains the country's most trusted and loved retailer, in store and online.”
Jason Tarry, chairman of the John Lewis Partnership, adds: “Peter has done a fantastic job and will be missed by all of our partners. He's injected energy and pace into the John Lewis transformation and we are sad to see him go.
“Will is perfectly placed to take John Lewis on to the next phase of development and growth. I'm pleased that we've been able to oversee an orderly succession with Will, who knows John Lewis and the team incredibly well from his time on the partnership's board.”
Peter will remain with the business until 6th September, with Will taking up the role in mid-September.
Pictured: Peter and Will
