John Lewis Partnership has brought former River Island chief executive Will Kernan on as a non-executive director of the partnership board, effective from 12 September 2023.
Kernan succeeds Nish Kankiwala, who took on the role of the partnership‘s first-ever chief executive officer back in March, after serving as a non-executive director on the Partnership board for two years.
With a wealth of experience in the retail industry, Kernan has held several leadership positions, most recently serving as the CEO of River Island.
Prior to that he spent five years as the CEO of The White Company and had a thirteen-year tenure at New Look, during which he assumed various roles ranging from Group Financial Director to Group Trading Director, COO, and ultimately Group Managing Director.
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John Lewis Partnership chairman Sharon White said: “I’m delighted to welcome Will as the newest member of our Partnership Board. We’re fortunate to have his extensive experience and expertise, which will play a significant role in our ongoing transformation.
“As well as his outstanding retail experience Will brings real interest and support for the Partnership model.”
Earlier this week it was revealed that John Lewis is facing hold-ups in the £150m sale of part of its Oxford Street flagship store.
Last year, the department store picked a joint venture between developer Hines and Korea’s National Pension Services as preferred bidder for the scheme, which would convert the upper floors of the Oxford Street store into offices.
The bidders were said to be willing to pay £150m for the chunk of the store, however, declining property values and increasing interest rates have thwarted the deal.
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