Nish Kankiwala, the CEO of John Lewis Partnership, is set to transition from his executive role to a non-executive position.
- This change marks a significant shift in the strategic transformation of the John Lewis Partnership.
- Kankiwala’s return to the board is expected to assist the new chairman, Jason Tarry, in steering the company.
- The position of CEO will not be directly filled, highlighting the transformation’s progress.
- Kankiwala’s journey from non-executive to executive role was initiated in March 2023 to accelerate the company’s transformation.
Nish Kankiwala, CEO of John Lewis Partnership, is transitioning back to his non-executive role within the company, effective March 2025. This move coincides with the recent appointment of Jason Tarry as chairman, following Dame Sharon White’s tenure. Kankiwala’s shift underscores a pivotal moment in the firm’s ongoing transformation strategy, reflecting significant progress achieved over the past two years.
The strategic shift not to replace the CEO position directly signifies the culmination of an intensive period of transformation initiated under Kankiwala’s leadership. Since taking on the executive mantle in March 2023, Kankiwala has played a crucial role in refining the company’s strategy, improving cash flows, and driving the organization back to profitability.
The decision to position Kankiwala in the executive role for a limited period was driven by the pressing need to intensify the commercial focus amidst unprecedented market conditions. His expertise in transformation and consumer businesses made him an ideal candidate to spearhead this phase. Rita Clifton, Deputy Chairman and Nomination Committee Chair, acknowledged Kankiwala’s substantial contributions, noting that he will continue to provide strategic guidance in his non-executive capacity.
The firm’s evolution under Kankiwala has been marked by a renewed focus on its core retail operations, enabling significant investment in growth initiatives. His effective leadership has been instrumental in ensuring the company’s return to profitability and the establishment of a robust foundation for sustainable growth going forward.
Going forward, the collaboration between Kankiwala and Tarry is expected to sustain the momentum of the transformation process. The commitment to leveraging Kankiwala’s expertise in a non-executive advisory role ensures that his insights and strategic vision will remain integral to the company’s success.
Nish Kankiwala’s strategic transition to a non-executive role at John Lewis marks a significant milestone in the company’s transformative journey.
