The John Lewis Partnership today announces that Peter Ruis has decided to step down as managing director of John Lewis to pursue new projects and will be replaced by Will Kernan, currently non-executive board member of the Partnership, as part of an orderly succession plan.
Ruis 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.
He has led a significant modernisation of the brand, reimagining its 100-year brand promise Never Knowingly Undersold; overseeing transformational investment in John Lewis stores, most recently with the renovation of Glasgow; attracting exciting brands and developing new propositions (the launch of Topshop, our new Platter restaurant and Sports assortment); significant changes to our digital platform and search capability; and achieving record customer satisfaction.
Kernan 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 financial director to group trading director, COO and group managing director.
Most recently, Kernan has been chairman of Neptune, supporting the high-end furniture and kitchen retailer’s transformation. Will joined the John Lewis Partnership’s board as a non-executive director in 2023.
Ruis said: “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.”
Kernan said: “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, said: “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.”
Ruis will remain with the business until 6 September. Will takes up the role in mid-September, to be in place as we prepare for the peak trading period.
The Partnership will now undertake a process to appoint Kernan’s successor as a non-executive director to the board.
