John Lewis Partnership appoints Jason Tarry as new chairman
The John Lewis Partnership has appointed the former chief executive of Tesco UK as its seventh chairman.
Expected to take up his role in September, Jason Tarry will succeed Sharon White who has decided to step down at the end of her term.
Tarry was previously UK & Ireland chief executive at Tesco where he worked for 33 years. The partnership is looking to benefit from his experience gained in a variety of senior roles spanning grocery, general merchandise and fashion. This included expanding the supermarket’s F&F Clothing across Europe.
Tarry joined Tesco in 1990 as part of its graduate recruitment programme.
Rita Clifton, John Lewis Partnership deputy chairman and chair of the nomination committee, said: “The board extends its huge thanks to Sharon for successfully leading the partnership through one of the most testing periods in its history – first Covid and then the cost of living crisis.
“She has faced into the toughest decisions and overseen the partnership’s financial recovery; we are in good financial health with a return to profit, and have a strong balance sheet with record investment planned this year.
“Sharon has also helped ensure that employee ownership of the Partnership is secure, is demonstrably focused on its purpose as a force for good and with an open and inclusive culture.
“As the partnership moves into the next phase of its modernisation focused on our core retail business as well future growth, we are confident that Jason will provide the kind of inspirational leadership, a proven track record in multi-channel, multi-category retail success and a strong identification with partnership values that we are seeking in this role.
“Jason has impressed everyone throughout the interview process with his warmth, his belief in the Partnership’s ideals and democratic principles and his appreciation for our unique and special brands.”
White added: “I’m delighted to be handing over to Jason, who has a combination of fantastic retail experience with leadership through transformation. From my many conversations with Jason, he has demonstrated a clear appreciation for the Partnership model and champions it. I look forward to welcoming him to the partnership in September and carrying out a smooth handover.”
The partnership said in a statement that the time commitment, term and remuneration of the chairman’s role will remain unchanged after Tarry’s appointment due to the move coming at a critical point in its transformation. Tarry will be working closely with Nish Kankiwala, the partnership’s chief executive.
