John Lewis development director steps down

By

Barbara Santamaria

Published
Oct 26, 2017

John Lewis is the latest British retailer to announce a high-profile departure, as it reveals that its group development director Tom Athron is to leave the business in spring 2018.

The company said his decision to exit the popular retail chain responds to his wish to “explore new opportunities outside the partnership”, however reports have emerged that he was tipped to become managing director of the company before Paula Nickolds was appointed.

Athron has been with the John Lewis Partnership for more than 12 years since 2005. During this time, he has held several roles including finance director of Waitrose and buying director at John Lewis. He took up his current role in October 2015.

As group development director, Athron is responsible for considering the future shape of the partnership, including new business opportunities and all activities within group.

John Lewis Partnership chairman Sir Charlie Mayfield said: “Tom has enjoyed a successful 12 years in the partnership and has decided that he now wishes to explore new opportunities outside the partnership. We wish him every success in the future.”

The announcement follows the shock reveal this week that M&S clothing chief Jo Jenkins has quit her role just weeks ahead of the important Christmas trading period to become CEO of White Stuff.