Waitrose parent company the John Lewis Partnership has appointed former Hovis CEO, Nish Kankiwala as its chief executive.
Taking up the role on 27 March, Kankiwala will also remain a member of the Partnership Board, which he has been a part of since 2021 as a non-executive director.
Prior to joining the retailer, he previously held senior roles at Burger King and PepsiCo and was CEO at Hovis for over six years.
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“I’m delighted that Nish is to be chief executive. Since joining the Board in 2021, Nish has developed a deep understanding and appreciation of the Partnership model and has provided counsel on our transformation,” John Lewis Partnership chairman, Sharon White said.
“He will be able to supercharge this in his new role while protecting the Partnership’s ethos. Nish and I will work closely to ensure the Partnership thrives for another century.”
The Partnership which runs the Waitrose and John Lewis brands will now also see the chairman fully accountable for all aspects of its performance, purpose and approach to pursuing a better way of doing business.
White added: “The new structure allows me to focus on the preservation of the Partnership model and our distinctive character, on the strategy for the Partnership and our big commercial choices.
“Nish will draw on his significant transformation experience to drive performance and profitability day to day.”
Speaking of his new role, Kankiwala said: “It’s a great privilege to be appointed as Chief Executive following two rewarding years on the Partnership’s Board as a non-executive director.
“I am looking forward to playing an even fuller part in the transformation of the Partnership, to be a modern business loved by customers and treasured by our Partners.”
