The John Lewis Partnership has appointed Peter Ruis as Executive Director, to lead the retailer into 2024 and beyond. 

Mr Ruis was most recently CEO at Indigo plc in Canada, leading the business as it transitioned out of the pandemic. Before that he led Anthropologie’s international drive as Managing Director, and was CEO at Jigsaw for four years, taking the brand into 11 countries and on to the catwalk at London Fashion Week.

He said: “It’s a great privilege to return to the John Lewis Partnership after 10 years. The John Lewis brand is iconic, loved and trusted by millions of customers across the UK and I’m excited to lead the next phase of the transformation.

“As the biggest employee-owned business in the UK, we have a huge opportunity to make even more of the unique Partner difference to provide exceptional products and service for our customers.”

Mr Ruis has also previously been a part of its executive team, he joined the partnership in 2005 and then spent nine years with the retailer. During this time, John Lewis was crowned Retailer of the Year in 2013 and this is the time when its hallmark Christmas adverts were introduced.

Naomi Simcock, who stepped up as interim Executive Director for John Lewis, has been appointed into a new role as Operations Director for John Lewis. She will work closely with Mr Ruis and will be responsible for John Lewis Retail and Supply Chain.

Nish Kankiwala, CEO of the John Lewis Partnership, said: “It’s fantastic to welcome Peter back to the Partnership. He has a deep understanding of customers, brands and product from his 30 year career spanning a variety of major high street and online retailers.”

The changes come following its announcement, last year, that it has made a £243 million loss in the last financial year. 

Sharon White is also stepping down from her position as Chairperson.

Industry backing

Its appointment of Mr Ruis has sparked positive feedback from industry commentators and peers.

Simon Carter, owner of eponymous menswear brand which is sold at John Lewis, praised the retailer for “luring him back”.

He continued: “He will bring decades of hands-on retail experience, gravitas, and industry-wide respect. An excellent move at a critical time for the Partnership.

“Expect to see a focus on core values such as service and product and ‘old school shopkeeping’ as well as innovation. Personally, this is the best news so far in 2024.”