The John Lewis Partnership has announced that James Bailey has decided to step down from his role as Managing Director of Waitrose later this year.
Bailey joined Waitrose in 2020 and successfully steered the business through the pandemic and the cost of living crisis.
Jason Tarry, Chairman of the Partnership, said: “James has done an outstanding job, overseeing significant transformation and growth during a period of change. We will be sad to see James go but understand and respect his decision to step down after five and a half years at the helm. James will leave Waitrose in a much stronger position and I know will be missed by everyone.”
Bailey described it as a “great privilege” to lead “this unique and special business”, adding: “I’m very proud of everything we’ve achieved together; it’s been a lot of hard work but very rewarding and I’m so happy now to see the business thriving.
“Waitrose is back on a very strong footing with record customer numbers, strong sales growth and a turnaround in profitability so after five and a half years this feels like the right time to hand over the reins. I feel confident that we’ve laid the foundations for long term success and have the opportunity now to go from strength to strength”
Current Waitrose Retail Director Tina Mitchell will take up the role of Interim Managing Director when Bailey departs on 30 September.
