John Lewis Partnership appoints Rita Clifton CBE as its next deputy chairman

John Lewis Partnership has appointed brand strategy expert Rita Clifton CBE as its next deputy chairman.

The retail group, which runs John Lewis department stores and Waitrose supermarkets, said Clifton will join the partnership board in 2021.

Clifton, who has significant experience as a non-executive director, replaces Keith Williams who stepped down from the partnership board in April after six years with the company.

Clifton, who has previously been called ‘The doyenne of branding’ by Campaign magazine, has worked with a number of companies on their brand strategies during her executive career as vice chairman and strategy director at Saatchi & Saatchi, and in other roles.

She currently holds non-executive roles with Nationwide Building Society and Ascential. She stepped down from the board of ASOS earlier this year, having served six years.

Sharon White, chairman of the John Lewis Partnership, said Clifton “brings a wealth of leadership experience across an impressive career. Rita is a perfect fit for the partnership and we’ll benefit greatly from her deep expertise in brand strategy and retail”.

White added that Andy Martin has done a fantastic job as interim deputy chairman.

Martin continues as non-executive director and chair of the audit and risk committee.  

Employee-owned business John Lewis Partnership has announced a number of job cut proposals this year as part of cost savings plans.