John Lewis’ Managing Director Peter Ruis steps down to ‘pursue new projects’

By Amanda May | Published: 11-Aug-2026

Ruis, who has served as Managing Director of the British department store chain for nearly three years, is exiting the business in September. He will be succeeded by retail veteran Will Kernan

John Lewis’ Managing Director Peter Ruis (pictured left) is stepping down to “pursue new projects” after less than three years with the business.

He will depart the British department store chain on 6 September and be replaced by Will Kernan (pictured right), currently Non-Executive Board Member of John Lewis Partnership.

Ruis has led “a significant modernisation” during his time, read a company statement, reimagining John Lewis’ 100-year brand promise of ‘never knowingly undersold’.

He has overseen transformational investment in John Lewis stores, and attracted “exciting” brands and developed new propositions.

This has included the launch of Topshop into the business, John Lewis’ new Platter restaurant and the roll out of the company’s new “immersive, multi-sensory” Beauty Halls.

Plus, he has managed “significant changes” to the company’s digital platform and search capability.

“After nearly three years of significant investment and modernisation, the business is now on a much stronger footing,” said Ruis.

“I am so proud of what we have achieved, and there is so much more still to come.

“I would like to thank our customers, partners, brands and suppliers for their incredible support, and I wish Will the best of luck as he takes up the reins.”

Tickets are now available for the 25th anniversary of the Pure Beauty Awards, taking place on 15 October 2026 at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London, UK. Join the beauty industry for an evening of recognition and celebration as this year’s winners are revealed. Click here to secure your place.

Kernan was chosen to take on John Lewis’ Managing Director role as he has held several senior retail leadership positions over a 35-year career.

He has served as CEO of fashion brand River Island, home retailer The White Company and online sports company Wiggle.

Kernan also held a 13-year tenure at fashion company New Look, undertaking various roles from Group Financial Director and Group Trading Director to COO and Group Managing Director.

Most recently, he served as Chairman of Neptune, supporting the high-end furniture and kitchen retailer’s transformation.

Kernan joined John Lewis Partnership’s Board as a Non-Executive Director in 2023.

Talking about his appointment, Kernan said: “Having served on the board for three years, I have a clear understanding of the John Lewis business, and a huge appreciation for the partnership’s values and employee-ownership model.

“We have significant headroom for growth, and I am looking forward to leading the team to ensure John Lewis remains the country’s most trusted and loved retailer, in-store and online.”

John Lewis Partnership is now looking to appoint a successor to Kernan’s role as Non-Executive Director to the board.