John Lewis Partnership's property chief Chris Harris announced he will be leaving the company in November, signifying another blow to the under-pressure Sharon White.
Harris is credited with striking a £500mln deal with Abrdn last year to build 1,000 ‘build-to-rent’ homes in Reading, Bromley and West Ealing.
Build to rent was part of White’s plans to diversify John Lewis, putting an end to several years of losses, with his departure seen as a setback to those plans.
He also becomes the third senior executive to leave the John Lewis Partnership, which includes Waitrose, this year.
Pippa Wickes, head of department stores, stepped down in February less than three years in her role, while chief operating officers Andrew Murphy will also leave this summer.
White herself is also under intense pressure following job and bonus cuts and heavy losses.
The chairman recently lost a de-facto vote of confidence among the partnership council, which represents staff members, with many unhappy with her strategy but ultimately backing her to continue in her role.