John Lewis appoints partnership chief executive

Chairman of The John Lewis Partnership, Sharon White, has announced the appointment of a new chief executive.

Currently a non-executive director of the partnership, Nish Kankiwala will take on the new role on March 27, and will remain a member of the board.

Kankiwala was previously chief executive at Hovis and has held senior roles at Burger King and PepsiCo.

Sharon White said: “I’m delighted that Nish is to be Chief Executive. Since joining the Board in 2021, Nish has developed a deep understanding and appreciation of the Partnership model and has provided counsel on our transformation. He will be able to supercharge this in his new role while protecting the Partnership’s ethos.”

Nish Kankiwala added: “It’s a great privilege to be appointed as Chief Executive following two rewarding years on the Partnership’s Board as a non-executive director. I am looking forward to playing an even fuller part in the transformation of the Partnership, to be a modern business loved by customers and treasured by our Partners.”