The rumours had been percolating for several months that Dame Sharon White’s future as chair of loss-making John Lewis was looking shaky. Now it seems that the sources were on the nail. It has emerged that rather than seeking a second term, when the current one comes to an end in February 2025, White will exit the business. The search for a replacement is likely to get underway later this year, once the accountability of the role has been ratified and reconfirmed.
Many are hoping that the business will bring in someone with deep retail sector experience, who can win over partner support whilst continuing to make commercial decisions to transform and shape the business for the future. All without further destroying the spirit of, and the standing of, both John Lewis and Waitrose in partners’ hearts and customers’ minds. It has been a tough few years for John Lewis as well as for many other retail groups and recovery for John Lewis is running behind plan, but neither John Lewis or Waitrose stores are considered to be beyond rescue. Group debt has been significantly reduced during White’s tenure, with unprofitable stores closed. Many question whether results would or could have been any better with a seasoned retail professional at the helm.
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