The John Lewis Partnership has confirmed that Rita Clifton CBE will become its next deputy chairman. Joining the Partnership Board in February, she has significant experience as a non-executive director in a range of consumer-facing sectors, including retail.
Clifton currently holds non-executive roles with Nationwide Building Society and Ascential plc. She stepped down from the Board of ASOS earlier this year having served six years. She has also previously held non-executive roles with Dixons Retail, Emap, Bupa and the research firm, Populus Group.
Furthermore, Clifton has worked with many leading companies on their brand strategies during her executive career as vice chairman and strategy director at Saatchi & Saatchi. Plus, as London CEO and chairman at the global brand consultancy Interbrand, and also as co-founder of BrandCap.
Clifton’s not-for-profit Board appointments include WWF (Worldwide Fund for Nature) and the UK Sustainable Development Commission.
She is also Trustee of the environmental think tank Green Alliance and Chair of Trustees at the leading sustainability organisation, Forum for the Future.
Commenting is Sharon White, chairman of the John Lewis Partnership. “I’m delighted that Rita is joining the Partnership as deputy chairman. She brings a wealth of leadership experience across an impressive career.
“Rita is a perfect fit for the Partnership and we’ll benefit greatly from her deep expertise in brand strategy and retail. I’m very grateful to Andy Martin who has done a fantastic job as our interim deputy chairman.”
Clifton adds; “Waitrose and John Lewis are two of the country’s most trusted brands, which are loved by customers. I’ve long admired the Partnership’s products, purpose and unique approach to doing business. I’m looking forward to joining the Board as the Partnership enters the next exciting phase in its development.”
Clifton replaces Keith Williams, who stepped down from the Partnership Board in April 2020. Meanwhile, Andy Martin continues as non-executive director of the Partnership and chair of the Audit & Risk Committee.
