Photograph: Ofcom
New era at John Lewis as surprise pick Sharon White takes charge
Former Treasury official Sharon White takeS on the top job at the John Lewis Partnership, ushering in a new era for the company. She is the first woman to hold the role, and also the first external candidate to be appointed chair.
An economist by training who has spent four years at the helm of telecoms and media regulator Ofcom, she starts the job at a challenging time for company and the broader retail sector.
She replaceS Charlie Mayfield when he steps down early next year, earning a basic salary of £990,000.
Group Head of Corporate Affairs at John Lewis Partnership
Sharon White takes over as Chairperson at the end of the first quarter of 2020, when Sir Charlie Mayfield steps down after serving 13 years as Chairman.
Sharon is a hugely impressive leader and as Sir Charlie says today,
“Sharon White has had a stellar career in a number of senior strategic and executive roles… Sharon is not the conventional retail choice. But these are not conventional retail times, nor is the Partnership a conventional company.”