Governance

The Chairman has personal responsibility for ensuring that the Partnership retains its distinctive character and democratic vitality. He is also ultimately accountable for the Partnership's commercial performance and is responsible for developing a business strategy which ensures the long-term sustainability of the Partnership in a competitive environment.

Charlie became the Partnership's fifth Chairman in March 2007. He joined the Partnership in 2000 as Head of Business Development, responsible for business strategy and development for both John Lewis and Waitrose.He joined the Board as Development Director in 2001 and was responsible for developing the Partnership's online strategy. He then became Managing Director of John Lewis in January 2005 prior to taking up his appointment as Chairman of the Partnership in March 2007.

Charlie began his career as an officer in the army. He joined SmithKline Beecham in 1992 and became Marketing Manager for the Lucozade brand, before moving to McKinsey & Co in 1996, where he worked with consumer and retail organisations.

Responsible for developing and managing the Partnership's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy by ensuring the business reduces its impact on the environment and makes a positive contribution to the community, fulfilling the Partnership's values and principles.

Gemma joined the Partnership in 2005 as Project Manager, Corporate Social Responsibility and progressed to her current role in early 2009. Gemma previously worked for KPMG's Global Sustainability Services team where she managed sustainability assurance and advisory projects for a range of business clients. Prior to this she worked for the Body Shop International's Ethical Audit team, where she was involved in ethical policy development and ethical supply chain management. She is a BSc Biology graduate from Portsmouth University.

Responsible for managing the Partnership's property portfolio, together with the property acquisition teams.

Nigel joined the Partnership in 1999 as Deputy Director of Building, then Director of Building and Services, responsible for the delivery of the development programme for both Waitrose and John Lewis, encompassing all elements of the design and construction process. In 2010 his title changed to Director, Property Services and Property and Development Director, Waitrose.

Before joining the Partnership he worked for Tesco as a quantity surveyor, gaining experience in all areas of the property process from acquisition through to construction. He left Tesco as Construction Director, responsible for delivering Tesco's development programme.

As Director of Personnel, Tracey Killen is responsible for all areas of personnel policy within the Partnership, including the identification and development of future talent.

Tracey joined the Partnership as an 'A' Level Trainee at John Lewis Bristol in 1982. She was appointed Department Manager, Stationery, in 1988 before moving to perfumery the following year. She became Staff Manager in 1992, and in 1995 transferred to John Lewis High Wycombe as Merchandise Manager. Later that year she was appointed General Manager, John Lewis Bristol and became General Manager John Lewis Cribbs Causeway in 1998. Tracey was promoted to Managing Director, John Lewis Cribbs Causeway in 2000 and became Personnel Director in July 2002. She took up her appointment as the Partnership's Director of Personnel in April 2007.

Andrew is responsible for the communications strategy for the Partnership with the prime objective of deepening and broadening understanding of the Partnership as a dynamic, progressive business with a unique ownership structure and culture and to underpin the ambitious growth and development plans of the business.

Andrew begun his career in management consulting, before moving into communications. He has held a number of senior roles including Internal Communications Director at BAA, and, more recently at Cadbury, where he was Global Internal and Interactive Communications Director.

Responsible for buying, merchandising, creative and promotional activities of the John Lewis brand.

Peter Ruis started his career in 1989 as a Graduate Trainee at Marks & Spencer's ultimately filling the role of Senior Selector in 1997. Subsequently he became Head of Product at Ted Baker and then Brand Director of Levi Strauss & Co. across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. He joined John Lewis as Head of Menswear in January 2005, becoming Buying Director, Fashion in June 2007. He took up his current position in August 2010.