John Lewis Partnership is undergoing a significant leadership change as CEO Nish Kankiwala will step down to become a non-executive advisor by March 2025.
- Appointed as CEO in March 2023, Kankiwala played a pivotal role in the company’s recent transformation efforts.
- The decision reflects the substantial progress in the business transformation and the completion of the operational model’s work.
- Chair Jason Tarry will take over responsibilities, chairing both the executive team and partnership board.
- Kankiwala expressed pride in the achievements made during his tenure as CEO with notable improvements in strategy and profitability.
John Lewis Partnership is gearing up for a leadership transition as current CEO Nish Kankiwala prepares to step down and return to his previous role as a non-executive advisor by March 2025. This move reflects a strategic decision aligned with the company’s ongoing evolution and recent achievements in refining its operational model.
Appointed as CEO in March 2023, Kankiwala has been instrumental in guiding the John Lewis Partnership through a transformative period. His leadership was characterised by a remarkable improvement in the company’s cash flow, enabling significant investment for growth and marking a return to full-year profitability. His efforts in reshaping the partnership strategy have reinforced the company’s strong foundation in retail.
The John Lewis Partnership board has acknowledged the substantial progress made over the past two years under Kankiwala’s leadership. Recognising the completion of work on the operating model, the board decided that the CEO role will not be directly replaced. Instead, Jason Tarry, the current chair, will assume leadership both as the chair of the executive team and the partnership board.
Kankiwala reflected on his term, stating it was a privilege to lead during this phase of transformation. He thanked the partners for their diligence and dedication, which were crucial in achieving the milestones set over his tenure. His sentiments were echoed by Jason Tarry, who commended Kankiwala’s pivotal role and expressed gratitude for his continued advisory support.
Tarry emphasised the critical part Kankiwala played, both as a non-executive director and CEO, in accelerating the partnership’s transformation. Tarry’s leadership following the transition is expected to maintain the momentum established under Kankiwala’s stewardship.
The leadership transition marks a new chapter for John Lewis Partnership with a continued focus on strategic growth and operational excellence.
