John Lewis has announced a leadership transition as Managing Director Peter Ruis steps down to pursue new projects, handing the reins to current Non-Executive Board member Will Kernan in an orderly succession plan.
Ruis will remain with the company until September 6. Kernan is set to assume the Managing Director role in mid-September, positioning him at the helm ahead of the crucial peak golden quarter trading period.
Ruis, who returned to John Lewis in January 2024 after an earlier nine-year stint with the retailer, led a wide-ranging modernization drive. His tenure saw the revival of the iconic “Never Knowingly Undersold” brand pledge, major store renovations including the Glasgow flagship, digital and search platform upgrades, and the introduction of new propositions such as Topshop, the Platter restaurant concept, and an expanded sports range.
Incoming boss Will Kernan brings 35 years of retail industry experience to the role. His previous executive leadership includes chief executive roles at River Island, The White Company, and Wiggle, alongside a 13-year tenure at New Look spanning roles from Group Financial Director to Group Managing Director. Most recently, Kernan served as Chairman of high-end home brand Neptune and has served as a Non-Executive Director on the John Lewis Partnership Board since 2023.
Jason Tarry, Chairman of the John Lewis Partnership, praised Ruis for injecting “energy and pace” into the retailer’s ongoing transformation, noting that Kernan’s existing familiarization with the business makes him “perfectly placed to take John Lewis on to the next phase of development and growth.”
Commenting on his departure, Ruis stated that after years of investment, the business sits on a “much stronger footing.” Kernan highlighted the business’s potential, noting that his time on the board gives him a deep understanding of its employee-ownership model as he prepares to lead its next growth phase both in stores and online.
The Partnership confirmed it will now begin the search to appoint Kernan’s successor as a Non-Executive Director on its board.
