Peter Ruis to Depart John Lewis Amid Leadership Reshuffle
Former River Island boss Will Kernan to take the helm as retail sector faces economic headwinds and job cuts.
Image: Eddie Pollard / AI
Callum Smith
Peter Ruis will step down as the boss of John Lewis in September.
Peter Ruis confirmed his departure follows a period of significant investment and modernization within the business.
"After nearly three years of significant investment and modernisation, the business is now on a much stronger footing," Ruis stated. He added, "I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved and there is so much more still to come."
I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved and there is so much more still to come.
He extended his gratitude, stating, "I would like to thank our customers, partners, brands and suppliers for their incredible support and I wish Will the best of luck as he takes up the reins."
Will Kernan, the former boss of River Island and The White Company, is set to take over from Ruis.
Kernan brings a clear understanding of the John Lewis business, having served on the partnership’s board for three years.
"Having served on the partnership’s board for three years, I have a clear understanding of the John Lewis business and a huge appreciation for the partnership’s values and employee-ownership model," Kernan confirmed.
He further articulated his vision, stating, "We have significant headroom for growth and I’m looking forward to leading the team to ensure John Lewis remains the country’s most trusted and loved retailer, in store and online."
During his tenure, Peter Ruis led the reintroduction of the Never Knowingly Undersold price promise.
The leadership change at John Lewis occurs as the broader retail sector navigates economic pressures, including a reported rise in inflation due to soaring oil prices linked to the US-Israeli war on Iran.
Last year, the John Lewis Partnership cut 3,300 jobs; 1,500 of those reductions affected John Lewis department stores.
John Lewis also closed 16 department stores during the coronavirus pandemic.
Jason Tarry serves as the John Lewis Partnership chairman, overseeing these strategic shifts.
Meanwhile, the Co-op Group also experiences leadership changes, with Debbie White deciding to step down as chair.
Moni Mannings has been appointed interim chair of the Co-op Group, following reports that Shirine Khoury-Haq's departure from the group related to allegations of a 'toxic culture'.