Department store John Lewis has appointed Paula Nickolds as Buying & Brand director who will join the John Lewis Management Board.
Nickolds will take on the leadership of the home, fashion and technology buying teams in addition to marketing and brand development.
Nickolds, who has been at the brand since 1994, will replace Peter Ruis who announces his departure to become CEO of Jigsaw after nearly nine years in the business. She will report to managing director Andy Street and will begin the role on 1st September.
She said she was “thrilled and honoured” by the opportunity and was excited to take John Lewis “to the next level.”
Andy Street, managing director, John Lewis, said: “I am delighted that Paula will be joining the John Lewis Management Board as buying & brand director. Paula has a profound understanding of what makes us unique in the global retail marketplace. She is ideally placed to ensure that we continually strive for innovation in our product offering and drive forward our brand, design and customer experience.
Mr Street also thanked outgoing buying and brand director Peter Ruis for an “outstanding contribution.” He added: “(Peter) has revolutionised our fashion, home and technology offer and led our marketing team to its first ever Cannes Lion win. We will all be sad to see him go and wish him the very best of luck for his new role.”
