LONDON — British department store John Lewis on Monday appointed Will Kernan its managing director, succeeding Peter Ruis, who is stepping down to pursue new projects, as part of “an orderly succession plan.”
Ruis, who returned to John Lewis in 2024 after a previous nine-year stint that included serving as buying and brand director, will remain with the business until Sept. 6.
The company said that during his tenure, John Lewis achieved “record customer satisfaction” with moves such as updating the digital platform and search capabilities, investment in stores ,including the Glasgow renovation, additions of brand and restaurant offers such as Topshop and the Platter concept, and an update of the “Never Knowingly Undersold” brand promise.
“After nearly three years of significant investment and modernization, the business is now on a much stronger footing,” Ruis said in a statement.
Kernan will take up the role in mid-September, ahead of the peak trading period, the company said.
