John Lewis Partnership appoints Will Kernan as Non-Executive Director to the Partnership Board

John Lewis Partnership is to appoint Will Kernan as a Non-Executive Director of the Partnership Board, with effect from 12 September 2023. 

Will succeeds Nish Kankiwala, who assumed the role of the Partnership‘s Chief Executive Officer in March 2023, after serving as a Non-Executive Director on the Partnership Board for two years. 

With a wealth of experience in the retail industry, Will has held several leadership positions. He most recently served as the CEO of River Island, before which he led the transformation and merger of Wiggle Chain Reaction Group, an online cycling and tri-sports specialist business, as its CEO. 

Prior to joining Wiggle, he spent five years as the CEO of The White Company, and had a thirteen-year tenure at New Look, during which he assumed various roles ranging from Group Financial Director to Group Trading Director, COO, and ultimately Group Managing Director. Will is currently chairman of interiors brand, Neptune.

Sharon White, Chairman of the John Lewis Partnership, said, "I’m delighted to welcome Will as the newest member of our Partnership Board. We’re fortunate to have his extensive experience and expertise, which will play a significant role in our ongoing transformation. As well as his outstanding retail experience Will brings real interest and support for the Partnership model.”

Will joins the Partnership Board’s independent Non-Executive Directors, Rita Clifton CBE who serves as Deputy Chairman; and Nicky Dulieu who is also Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee.