Bérangère Michel, the finance director of Waitrose owner John Lewis Partnership, has resigned after 16 years at the business.
Michel will step down in the autumn after deciding “to pursue her future career options outside of the partnership”.
Her departure is the first major change to the Waitrose’s owner’s executive team since former Tesco boss Jason Tarry was named as chair Dame Sharon White’s successor.
Michel joined the business in 2008 as its head of financial strategy and has held various senior leadership positions across retail, supply chain and customer operations in both John Lewis and Waitrose before being appointed as executive director for finance at the start of 2021.
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Michel said: “After 16 fantastic years in the Partnership, and with the business on a strong financial footing with funding secured for the next phase of the plan, it feels like the right time to move on.
“I have loved every moment of my time in both Waitrose and John Lewis and am extremely grateful for a varied, exciting and impactful career across supply chain, shops, finance and many other teams. I would especially like to thank partners for making the Partnership a truly special place. I will continue rooting for the Partnership, its great customer service and co-ownership model.”
John Lewis Partnership returned to profit in its last financial, making a pre-tax profit of £42m last year compared to a £78m loss in 2022/23.
Waitrose’s trading operating profit increased by £170m to £1.06bn in the 52 weeks to 27 January 2024, while sales were up 5% to £7.7bn.
John Lewis Partnership chief executive Nish Kankiwala added: “I would like to personally thank Bey for her remarkable contribution to the Partnership over 16 years – and most recently for the critical role she has played in co-creating our refreshed plan and new operating model for the business.
“Her passion for our unique model and commitment and dedication to securing our long-term success have been unwavering. I know Bey will be missed by everyone in the Partnership.”
