The John Lewis Partnership has appointed Pippa Wicks as executive director for John Lewis. Wicks, who starts her new role in August, joins from the Co-op Group where she was deputy chief executive. She has also previously been a non executive director for a variety of government departments, Hays plc, Ladbrokes plc, Hilton International plc and Arcadia plc.
Wicks will be responsible for trading, merchandising, marketing and developing propositions and services for both John Lewis shops and johnlewis.com.
Commenting on the appointment is Sharon White, Partner and chairman of the John Lewis Partnership. “I am delighted to welcome Pippa to the Partnership. She brings a wealth of experience of leading and developing businesses that deliver brilliant products and services to customers, both online and in stores.
“Pippa has an exceptional track record including at the Co-op Group which, as a membership organisation, shares similar values to the Partnership in terms of the commitment to the communities we serve.
“John Lewis and Waitrose are two of the most loved brands in the UK, and the Partnership the largest social enterprise. As we emerge from the pandemic there is tremendous opportunity for John Lewis to play an even bigger role in people’s lives. I am confident that under Pippa’s leadership the brand will continue to thrive.”
Wicks began her career as a senior manager with strategic management consultancy Bain & Company. She then became Group CFO of Europe’s largest textile and clothing manufacturer, Courtaulds Textiles plc, for seven years.
Commenting on her new role, Wicks says; “I feel extremely privileged to be joining the John Lewis Partnership at such an important time in its history. As executive director responsible for the John Lewis business I look forward to working closely with Partners to steer through these extraordinary times in society and retail.
“As the biggest employee-owned business in the UK, and one of the biggest in the world, there is an opportunity to provide both exceptional service for customers as well as really meaningful work for Partners.”
The new appointment forms part of a seven-strong executive team. It also follows James Bailey joining as executive director of Waitrose in April. Simon Coble will now continue in his role as trading director of John Lewis, reporting to Wicks.
