The John Lewis Partnership, which owns the retailer Waitrose, employs approximately 74,000 people and operates 329 Waitrose shops.
In 2019, Sharon White was appointed as the Chairman, and she has now asked the board to review the accountabilities of the chairman’s role to ensure ongoing support for the business transformation.
Rita Clifton, the Deputy Chairman and Chairman of the Nominations Committee, will oversee the appointment process, which will require approval from the Partnership Board in accordance with the Partnership’s Constitution.
White emphasized, “The chairman of the John Lewis Partnership holds a unique and significant position in the UK business landscape. The role entails safeguarding the long-term health of the Partnership’s model, encompassing commercial success, exceptional customer service, and community engagement.”
She further added, “Having successfully navigated the Partnership through the challenges of the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis, it is vital to establish a seamless and orderly succession process and transition.”
“The Partnership is steadily progressing in its modernization and transformation, yielding improved results. However, there remains a considerable journey ahead, and I am committed to ensuring a robust Partnership is passed on to my successor.”