John Lewis boss leaves after less than three years in role

John Lewis executive director Pippa Wicks will leave the partnership after less than three years in the job, as rising prices and a resurgent M&S threaten John Lewis’ position.

Wicks will be succeeded by current John Lewis retail director Naomi Simcock on an interim basis.

Although the retailer has said that Wicks is stepping down, The Telegraph has reported that she was sacked by Dame Sharon White, chair of the John Lewis Partnership.

Before joining John Lewis in June 2020, Wicks was deputy chief executive of The Co-Operative Group, and has also previously held roles at Bain & Company, Courtaulds Textiles, and business consultancy firm AlixPartners.

Pippa Wicks said: “I am proud of the considerable transformational progress the highly talented John Lewis team has made over the past few years, especially given the difficulties caused by the pandemic. It has been a real privilege and honour to work for the Partnership, and help transform John Lewis which is one of the most respected brands in the country.”