// Nish Kankiwala will replace Laura Wade-Gery as non-executive director

// He will join the Partnership board on April 12

John Lewis Partnership has appointed Hovis chief executive Nish Kankiwala as a non-executive director.

Kankiwala has 40 years worth of experience in retail and consumer brands such as PepsiCo, Unilever and Burger King.

He joined Hovis in 2014, initially as chairman and in the past five years as chief executive.

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He will join the Partnership board on April 12.

Kankiwala is set to replace Laura Wade-Gery, who is stepping down from the Partnership board when her term ends on April 30.

“Nish brings a wealth of experience in retail and fast moving consumer markets. He’s led well known global brands and ones with rich heritage and trust like the Partnership,” John Lewis Partnership chairman Sharon White said.

“I’m incredibly grateful to Laura who has done a brilliant job since joining the board in 2017. Laura has made a significant contribution to the Partnership and she leaves with our best wishes for the future.”

Kankiwala said: “The Partnership is a business I’ve long admired for its unique ethos and its special brands. The business now has a significant opportunity to play an even bigger role in its customers’ lives.

Wade-Gery added: “It’s been a privilege to be a part of the Partnership, to experience first hand the power of the unique Partnership model and to use my external perspective and business experience to help shape its strategy and development.”

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