In a strategic move, Nish Kankiwala, John Lewis Partnership CEO, will transition back to a non-executive role.
- Kankiwala, who took the CEO position in March 2023, aims to facilitate a smooth leadership change.
- He steps down to support the new chairman, Jason Tarry, in March 2025.
- Under Kankiwala, John Lewis reduced pre-tax losses significantly, setting a profitable trajectory.
- His leadership was pivotal in a transformative phase, enhancing cash flows and strategy.
Nish Kankiwala, the current Chief Executive Officer of John Lewis Partnership, is set to transition back to his previous role as a non-executive director in March 2025. This strategic decision comes as part of a planned leadership transition to support the newly appointed Chairman, Jason Tarry.
Kankiwala assumed the CEO role in March 2023 during a critical period for the company, stepping in to assist the then-Chairman, Dame Sharon White. His leadership was aimed at accelerating the business transformation of the John Lewis Partnership, which also includes Waitrose.
Under Kankiwala’s stewardship, the partnership made substantial financial strides. The company managed to slash its pre-tax losses from £59 million to £30 million in the first half of 2024, positioning itself for a significantly higher full-year profit.
Kankiwala expressed that his tenure as CEO was the ‘privilege of his life,’ acknowledging the hard work and dedication of John Lewis partners. ‘I have every confidence in Jason taking the Partnership from strength to strength in the next phase of our transformation,’ said Kankiwala.
Jason Tarry appreciates the ‘pivotal role’ Kankiwala played, highlighting his contribution as instrumental in advancing the transformation efforts. Tarry expressed gratitude for Kankiwala’s continued advisory support on the board as a non-executive director.
Nish Kankiwala’s transition marks a significant yet seamless leadership shift at John Lewis Partnership.
