John Lewis hires former Tesco director to replace Sharon White as chairman
- Jason Tarry is the former CEO of Tesco UK and Ireland
- He replaces Sharon White in September after a number of difficult years
- Tarry is tasked with leading the retail giant’s turnaround plans
Jason Tarry will join as chairman in September
John Lewis Partnership has appointed the former CEO of Tesco UK and Ireland as its new chairman, replacing Sharon White when she steps down later this year.
Jason Tarry, a 33-year Tesco veteran who first joined the retailer in 1990 as part of its graduate program, will be tasked with leading the partnership’s turnaround as it tries to cut costs and revitalize lackluster sales to breathe life into.
Tarry said on Monday he would put a “sharp focus on being brilliant retailers for customers and investing in growth” when he joins in September.
John Lewis, which is owned by its 70,000 employees, is expected to cut 11,000 jobs over the next five years in a bid to save £900 million, having already made £88 million in cuts in the last financial year.
John Lewis returned to pre-tax profits of £56 million in 2023, recovering from a £234 million loss in 2022 amid three consecutive years of losses.
Sharon White is stepping down after five years in the role
Outgoing chairman White steps down after a difficult five years, having weathered the impact of the pandemic, the cost of living crisis and disappointment over the Waitrose owner’s decision to withhold his usual annual staff bonuses.
She told staff in a video message earlier this year to prepare for “pretty big changes and pretty bold changes.”
White said Monday that Tarry brings a “combination of great retail experience with leadership through transformation.”
She added: “We have laid the foundation for a stronger partnership and I am confident that Jason will make it stronger and stronger.”
Rita Clifton, Vice Chairman and Chair of the John Lewis Nominations Committee, said: “As the partnership enters the next phase of its modernisation, focused on our core retail business and future growth, we are confident that Jason will be the kind inspiring leadership, a proven track record of multi-channel, multi-category retail success and a strong identification with the Partnership values we seek in this role.”