Directorate Change

20 October 2015

Mark Price, Managing Director of Waitrose and Deputy Chairman, to leave the Partnership

Rob Collins appointed new Managing Director of Waitrose

The John Lewis Partnership announces today that, after a 33 year career, Mark Price has set out his intention to step down as Managing Director of Waitrose and Deputy Chairman and to leave the Partnership on 3rd April 2016. Mark has worked with Sir Charlie Mayfield, the Partnership's Chairman, to agree the timing of his leaving in the best interests of the Partnership.

Rob Collins, Waitrose's Retail Director, has been appointed to succeed Mark when he steps down. Rob has been with the Partnership for 22 years, initially with John Lewis in a number of senior roles before moving to Waitrose in 2007 to establish its e-commerce business. In 2010 Rob was appointed Personnel Director and in early 2012 was appointed Retail Director.

Sir Charlie Mayfield said:

"Mark is pursuing new opportunities, but he will remain a passionate advocate of the Partnership and its ownership model. He has had a long and distinguished career with the Partnership and his leadership of Waitrose has seen outstanding success. As a member of the Partnership Board for 11 years and Deputy Chairman since 2013, Mark has played a key role in steering the Partnership and has been a valued and trusted colleague.

"Rob Collins has been a central figure in Waitrose's management team for a number of years and his strong leadership skills and operational success have ensured that he has been a central part of the Board's thinking on succession planning for some time. I'm confident that he will make the step-up to the Managing Director role quickly and effectively."

ENDS

Enquiries:

John Lewis Partnership 020 7592 6292

Andrew Moys, Director of Communications

Citigate Dewe Rogerson 020 7638 9571

Simon Rigby