Waitrose names Tina Mitchell as retail director

The John Lewis Partnership has announced the appointment of Tina Mitchell as retail director at Waitrose.

Mitchell will join the partnership in November from her current position as divisional managing director at the Co-op.

Moreover, she provides the role with over two decades of leadership experience, having previously worked in a variety of operational and strategic roles at Tesco and Selfridges.

James Bailey, executive director at Waitrose, said that he “look[s] forward to working” with Mitchell, who he claimed has “an impressive track record in retail”.

He added: “This role is pivotal to our delivery of the Waitrose strategy as we put ‘world class’ service at the centre of our vision and make Waitrose the ultimate destination for food and drink.”

In the role, Mitchell will be responsible for setting the supermarket chain’s shop strategy, while leading its plan to provide “world class service” across all of the group’s shops.

Reporting to Bailey, Mitchell will also be tasked with empowering the firm’s 45,000 shop partners.

She said: “I look forward to joining the John Lewis Partnership and working with both Waitrose and John Lewis Partners as the two brands work more closely together to bring new inspiration and excitement to customers.”