John Lewis appoints Will Kernan as managing director

UK retail group the John Lewis Partnership (JLP) has announced that Peter Ruis has decided to step down from his role as managing director of department store chain John Lewis to pursue new opportunities. Ruis will be succeeded by Will Kernan, currently a non-executive board member of JLP, as part of a succession plan.

Ruis will remain with the company until September 6, 2026. Kernan will officially assume the managing director position in mid-September 2026, ahead of the peak trading period. JLP will initiate a search process to appoint a successor for the vacant non-executive director seat on its board.

Executive background and leadership experience

Kernan brings 35 years of senior retail leadership experience to the position. The executive has served on the board of JLP as a non-executive director since 2023. Prior to joining JLP, Kernan held chief executive officer roles at UK apparel brand River Island, lifestyle retailer The White Company, and online cycling and tri-sports specialist Wiggle.

Earlier in his career, Kernan spent 13 years at UK fashion brand New Look, holding senior executive positions including group financial director, group trading director, chief operating officer, and group managing director. Most recently, the executive served as chairman of high-end UK furniture and kitchen retailer Neptune, supporting its strategic transformation.

Brand modernisation and strategic continuity

Ruis rejoined John Lewis in January 2024, having previously worked at the department store for nine years as buying and brand director. During his recent tenure, Ruis oversaw brand modernisation initiatives, including the reimagining of the 100-year-old ‘Never Knowingly Undersold’ brand promise, store investments such as the renovation of the Glasgow location, and digital platform enhancements. Ruis also expanded the brand portfolio through the introduction of Topshop, new dining concepts, and sports assortments.

“After nearly three years of significant investment and modernisation, the business is now on a much stronger footing,” said Ruis in a press statement. “I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved, and there is so much more still to come.”

Commenting on his appointment, Kernan stated: “Having served on the Partnership’s Board for three years, I have a clear understanding of the John Lewis business and a huge appreciation for the Partnership’s values and employee-ownership model. We have significant headroom for growth and I’m looking forward to leading the team to ensure John Lewis remains the country’s most trusted and loved retailer, in store and online.”

“Peter has done a fantastic job and will be missed by all of our Partners,” added Jason Tarry, chairman of JLP. “Will is perfectly placed to take John Lewis on to the next phase of development and growth. I’m pleased that we’ve been able to oversee an orderly succession with Will who knows John Lewis and the team incredibly well.”