John Lewis managing director Peter Ruis is stepping down from the department store business, with Partnership board member Will Kernan set to succeed him in September.

Ruis, who returned to John Lewis in January 2024, will remain with the retailer until 6 September, while Kernan will take up the role in mid-September ahead of the crucial peak trading period.

John Lewis said the leadership change formed part of an “orderly succession plan”.

During his latest stint at the retailer, Ruis has overseen a wide-ranging modernisation programme, including the overhaul of its century-old Never Knowingly Undersold promise, investment across its store estate and changes to its digital platform and search capabilities.

He has also led the introduction of new brands and propositions, including the return of Topshop, the launch of its Platter restaurant concept and an expanded sports offer.

Ruis previously spent nine years at John Lewis, latterly serving as buying and brand director, before returning to the business following a number of senior retail roles.

He said: “After nearly three years of significant investment and modernisation, the business is now on a much stronger footing.

“I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved, and there is so much more still to come. 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.”

Retail veteran Will Kernan to lead John Lewis

Kernan brings more than 35 years of retail experience to the role and has previously served as chief executive of River Island, The White Company and Wiggle.

He also spent 13 years at New Look in a succession of senior positions, including group financial director, group trading director, chief operating officer and group managing director.

Most recently, Kernan has been chairman of furniture and kitchen retailer Neptune, and he joined the John Lewis Partnership board as a non-executive director in 2023.

Kernan said: “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.

“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.”

John Lewis Partnership chairman Jason Tarry said Ruis had “injected energy and pace” into the retailer’s transformation.

“Peter has done a fantastic job and will be missed by all of our Partners,” he said.

“Will is perfectly placed to take John Lewis on to the next phase of development and growth. I’m pleased that we’ve been able to oversee an orderly succession with Will who knows John Lewis and the team incredibly well from his time on the Partnership’s Board.”

The Partnership will now begin the process of appointing a successor to Kernan as a non-executive director.

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