John Lewis Partnership said executive director Pippa Wicks is leaving following a “period of considerable transformation of the John Lewis brand.”
Wicks leaves after almost three years at the business where she led initiatives such as the Anyday value range and the group’s ‘for all life’s moments’ rebrand.
John Lewis Partnership, which incorporates John Lewis and Waitrose, did not give a reason for the abrupt exit.
Wicks will be succeeded by current retail director Naomi Simcock with immediate effect on an interim basis, where she will lead the delivery of the 2023 plan and priorities, according to a statement.
“I am very grateful for Pippa’s contribution to John Lewis. She has been instrumental in reinvigorating the brand, launching our successful ANYDAY entry range, refreshing the John Lewis own brand range and repositioning John Lewis ‘for all life’s moments’,” said Sharon White, chairman of John Lewis Partnership.
“It has been a real privilege and honour to work for the Partnership and help transform John Lewis which is one of the most respected brands in the country,” said Wicks.
John Lewis Partnership will be posting full-year results next month.
The group reported a half-year loss in its interim statement last September.
A recent study by Retail Week Prospect suggested that competitor M&S is on course to overtake John Lewis Partnership in sales by 2026.
The FTSE 250-listed retailer’s forecast compound annual growth rate (CAGR) is 2.7%, compared to 1.8% growth from its employee-owned competitor.
That means the two would swap places at seventh and eighth in the rankings.