Dame Sharon White to step down as John Lewis Chair next year
People familiar with the story said White will leave when she considers the cost of living crisis to have subsided in order to allow for a smooth transition for her successor
John Lewis Partnership chair Dame Sharon White is reportedly set to step down from her role next year, according to BBC News.
The outlet has reported that White has begun talks with the firm’s board in order to start the search for her successor. She has been in the role for the past five years meaning she will be the shortest serving chair in the partnership’s history when she steps down.
It suggested people familiar with the story said White will leave when she considers the cost of living crisis to have subsided in order to allow for a smooth transition for her successor.
John Lewis recently revealed its losses narrowed to £59m for the 26 weeks ended 29 July 2023.
Alongside this the company’s losses before tax and exceptional items fell 14% to £57.3m down from £66.8m in the same period last year.
Sales at the company topped £5.8bn for the half year, an increase of 2% compared with last year.
Waitrose trading operating profit improved from £431.7m to £504.4m while John Lewis trading operating profit fell back from £295.0m to £277.1m
The company’s cash generated from operations was £97.4m which was £76.7m better than the same period last year.
As a result the company stated that the economic outlook was uncertain, but it expects improvement in full year financial results.
