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John Lewis appoints Paula Nickolds as MD

Lauretta Roberts
25 October 2016

John Lewis has announced that commercial director Paula Nickolds has been promoted to the position of managing director to replace Andy Street who is standing down from the retailer to pursue a career in politics.

Nickolds is a John Lewis lifer having joined the business as a graduate trainee in its Oxford Street store in 1994. She held a number of positions as was appointed to the management board in 2013 as buying and brand director. Her most recent role as commercial director covered responsibility for innovation in John Lewis stores and product assortment.

She will take up the role in January 2017 and in the meantime Dino Rocos will be the lead director responsible for John Lewis operations until Nickolds' start date.

"As a Partner with 22 years service, I know just how special the John Lewis Partnership is. Driven by our unique business model, and with innovation in our DNA, I am immensely excited to lead John Lewis on the next stage of our journey," she said of her appointment.

Chairman Sir Charlie Mayfield said: "At a time of transformation in the retail sector, Paula's progressive and dynamic leadership is just what's needed for the next phase of modern retailing."

As had been anticipated former MD Andy Street announced last month that he was leaving the business on 28 October following the confirmation of his his nomination as the official Conservative Party candidate for the office of Mayor of the West Midlands. He has been with the company for 31 years.

“I am confident that we have built a business which will continue to thrive while being loyal to its principles,” Street said when announcing his departure. ‘The success of John Lewis is down to the hard work and dedication of thousands of Partners across the country, and I know that they will continue to serve our customers with distinction.”

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