John Lewis confirms departure of Buying Director of Fashion

John Lewis has confirmed Buying Director of Fashion, Christine Kasoulis, is to leave the business this spring to focus on her MBA degree.

Kasoulis joined the business in 2007 as Head of Buying for Home, becoming Director of New Product Development in 2009, Buying Director of Home in 2013, and taking up her current position of Buying Director of Fashion in 2017.

Kasoulis was key in the introduction of more than 30 new fashion, beauty and accessories brands to its line-up for AW20, citing that it “responds directly to the new needs of the nation.”

A John Lewis Partnership spokeswoman told TheIndustry.fashion: "Christine has had a highly successful career with John Lewis, including several roles across Home and Fashion.

"Most recently, she has played a crucial role in developing our fashion, nursery and beauty offering; expanding our own brands and launching new brands which inspire and delight our customers. We thank Christine for her huge contribution to the business and wish her the very best for the future."

John Lewis permanently closed eight of its then 50 stores after the first lockdown in the UK with sites shuttered for good, The department store could announce up to eight further store closures or relocations to smaller sites when it reveals its annual results on 11 March, according to The Sunday Times.

In October 2020, John Lewis revealed its planned “expansion of digital, virtual and delivery services to get closer to customers” to reach £400m profit in five years.

“The Partnership Plan” includes a pledge to recruit young people, major commitments on cutting waste and net zero carbon by 2035, with “inspirational new services and partnerships to rebalance business beyond retail”.