John Lewis executive finance director, Bérangère Michel, to leave the business
The John Lewis Partnership has announced that its executive finance director, Bérangère Michel, is to leave the business later this year.
In a statement, the partnership said she had decided to pursue other career options after working for 16 years in senior leadership positions across retail, the supply chain and customer operations at both John Lewis and Waitrose.
Commenting on her decision, Michel said: “After 16 fantastic years in the partnership, and with the business on a strong financial footing with funding secured for the next phase of the plan, it feels like the right time to move on.
“So I have decided to leave to pursue other opportunities. I have loved every moment of my time in both Waitrose and John Lewis and am extremely grateful for a varied, exciting and impactful career across supply chain, shops, finance and many other teams.”
Prior to joining the John Lewis Partnership, Michel worked for 11 years with Royal Mail, most recently as finance director for the property division.
Sharon White, chairman of the John Lewis Partnership, said: “Bey embodies everything that is special about the partnership and has been a fervent champion for our ownership model, democracy and values.
“She will leave the partnership in a much stronger financial position, overseeing a return to profit, record investment planned for this year and debt at historic lows. Bey has played an instrumental role on the executive team and board and has our very best wishes as she seeks her next challenge.”
With Michel expected to leave the business by the autumn, the partnership has now begin a process to appoint her successor.
