Loraine Woodhouse to join John Lewis Board as Group Finance Director

British department store group John Lewis has announced the appointment of Loraine Woodhouse, who is set to join the company board on December 1 as acting Group Finance Director.

The announcement comes after Helen Weir, John Lewis Partnership Finance Director previously tendered her resignation earlier this month, with a six month notice period. Weir will step down from the board on December 1 and is set to commence gardening leave January 30, 2015.

Woodhouse, who was formerly a director in the department store group finance team will succeed her. In the meantime Weir will hand over the various tasks and projects related to her role to ensure a "smooth transition," before beginning her new role at Marks & Spencer as chief financial officer.

“I would like to thank Helen for the valuable contribution she has made during her time in the Partnership,” commented Sir Charlie Mayfield, Chairman of the John Lewis Partnership. “I am delighted that Loraine has agreed to join the Board on an interim basis.”

“Loraine has been leading our Group Finance Team and is perfectly placed to lead a seamless transition.” Woodhouse first joined the John Lewis Partnership in 2013, after she left her former role as Finance Director at high street retailer Hobbs.