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Peter Ruis is stepping down as Managing Director of John Lewis, with Partnership board member Will Kernan set to succeed him in mid-September.
The John Lewis Partnership announced the change today as part of what it described as an orderly succession plan. Ruis, who is leaving to pursue new projects, will remain with the employee-owned business until 6 September.
Kernan will take charge ahead of the department store chain’s peak trading period. His appointment comes as John Lewis continues to invest in its shops and online operations while contending with cautious consumer spending and higher costs.
Ruis 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.”
He thanked John Lewis customers, Partners, brands and suppliers for their support and wished Kernan well in the role.
Ruis returned to John Lewis in January 2024 following several retail leadership roles. He had previously spent nine years with the retailer, latterly serving as Buying & Brand Director.
During his latest tenure, John Lewis restored and reworked its century-old Never Knowingly Undersold promise, upgraded its digital platform and expanded its brand offer.
New propositions introduced under his leadership included the nationwide return of Topshop to physical retail, the Platter John Lewis restaurant concept and an expanded sports, fitness and wellbeing assortment.
The retailer is also investing £50 million across five stores during 2026 as part of an £800 million programme covering its estate, services, technology and hospitality.
Kernan will take over as John Lewis continues this investment programme, bringing 35 years of retail experience from senior roles at River Island, The White Company, Wiggle and New Look. He most recently served as Chairman of high-end furniture and kitchen retailer Neptune, supporting its transformation.
He joined the John Lewis Partnership as a Non-Executive Director in 2023, giving him prior knowledge of the business and its employee-ownership structure.
Kernan said: “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 Kernan was well placed to lead the next stage of development and growth. The Partnership will now begin the process of appointing Kernan’s successor as a Non-Executive Director.