// Pippa Wicks named new John Lewis executive director
// She joins from the Co-op, where she was deputy CEO, and replaces Paula Nickolds who exited in January
// Wicks’ appointment forms part of a seven-strong executive team for the John Lewis Partnership
The John Lewis Partnership has announced the appointment of Pippa Wicks as executive director for John Lewis.
Wicks joins from the Co-op Group where she was deputy chief executive and will start her new role at the department store chain in August.
Wicks will be tasked with taking care of John Lewis’ trading, merchandising, marketing and developing propositions and services in a post-coronavirus lockdown trading environment.
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Wicks fills the vacancy left behind by Paula Nickolds, who exited in January with a near-£1 million payout after John Lewis recorded lacklustre Christmas sales.
Nickolds had worked for the business for 25 years in various roles before her departure, and was the first female managing director of the department store in its 156-year history.
Wicks’ appointment forms part of a seven-strong executive team and follows James Bailey joining as executive director of stablemate Waitrose in April.
Simon Coble will also continue in his role as John Lewis trading director, reporting to Wicks.
Meanwhile Wicks – along with Bailey – will both report to John Lewis Partnership chair Sharon White.
“I am delighted to welcome Pippa to the partnership,” White said.
“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 te 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 said: “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 in 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.”
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