John Lewis poaches Accessorize Managing Director as new Trading Director

John Lewis has hired Accessorize Managing Director Kathleen Mitchell as its new Trading Director, commencing from mid-September.

She has reportedly been appointed off the back of her track record at successfully turning around the Accessorize business, as the department store group continues its own turnaround strategy with yet another senior level hire.

At the end of May, John Lewis announced the appointment of Steve Masterton as Director of Online Trade, Stephen Spencer as Director of Store of the Future and Rosie Hanley as Head of Brand and Marketing.

Mitchell, who has also previously worked in management roles at L’Oréal and is a former Managing Director of Stella & Dot, will lead the trading strategy across all categories at John Lewis.