​Kate Swann, Patrick Lewis and Paul Geddes contend for John Lewis chair

The top contenders to replace Sir Charlie Mayfield as chair of John Lewis are great-grandson of John Lewis, Patrick Lewis, ex-WH Smith CEO, Kate Swann, and Direct Line boss, Paul Geddes, The Sunday Times reports.

Both Swann and Gedes are leaving their respective positions as CEO of travel retailer SSP and outgoing boss of insurer Direct Line. Lewis is reportedly the leading internal candidate to become chair when Sir Charlie Mayfield steps down from the role next year. Lewis is currently finance director having joined the partnership 25 years ago.

Sources close to the retailer expect an outsider to be appointed for the first time in John Lewis’s history, according to The Sunday Times.

The news comes ahead of the retailer’s full-year results which will be announced on Thursday. On the same day, John Lewis staff will be finding out the size of their annual bonus.

Photo credit: John Lewis & Partners