The John Lewis Partnership is to appoint Neptune chair Will Kernan as a non-executive director of its partnership board on 12th September.
Will succeeds Nish Kankiwala, who assumed the role of the partnership‘s CEO in March, after serving as a non-executive director on the partnership board for two years.
With a wealth of experience in the retail industry, Will has held several leadership positions. He most recently served as the CEO of River Island, before which he led the transformation and merger of Wiggle Chain Reaction Group, an online cycling and tri-sports specialist business, as its CEO.
Prior to joining Wiggle, he spent five years as the CEO of The White Company, and had a 13-year tenure at New Look, during which he assumed various roles ranging from group FD to group trading director, COO, and ultimately group MD. Will is currently chairman of interiors brand, Neptune.
Sharon White, chairman of the John Lewis Partnership, says: "I’m delighted to welcome Will as the newest member of our partnership board. We’re fortunate to have his extensive experience and expertise, which will play a significant role in our ongoing transformation. As well as his outstanding retail experience Will brings real interest and support for the partnership model.”
