John Lewis appoints former Tesco UK boss Jason Tarry as chairman

(Sharecast News) - John Lewis said on Monday that it has appointed Jason Tarry - the former boss of Tesco UK - as its new chairman following Sharon White's decision to step down at the end of her term. The retailer said Tarry brings more than 33 years of experience at Tesco, where he was most recently the UK & Ireland CEO, a role he held for six years.

His experience spans grocery, general merchandise and fashion in senior commercial, operational and general management positions, having joined the Tesco graduate programme in 1990.

Rita Clifton, deputy chairman and chair of the Nomination Committee, said: "The board extends its huge thanks to Sharon for successfully leading the Partnership through one of the most testing periods in its history - first Covid and then the cost of living crisis.

"She has faced into the toughest decisions and overseen the Partnership's financial recovery; we are in good financial health with a return to profit, and have a strong balance sheet with record investment planned this year. Sharon has also helped ensure that employee ownership of the Partnership is secure, is demonstrably focused on its purpose as a force for good and with an open and inclusive culture.

"As the Partnership moves into the next phase of its modernisation focused on our core retail business as well future growth, we are confident that Jason will provide the kind of inspirational leadership, a proven track record in multi-channel, multi-category retail success and a strong identification with Partnership values that we are seeking in this role."