What: John Lewis names Vikki Kavanagh, who led Net-a-Porter and Mr Porter, as new commercial chief, replacing Kathleen Mitchell in strategic leadership transition.

Why it is important: This strategic hire reflects the evolving nature of department store leadership, where expertise in both luxury e-commerce and traditional retail is increasingly crucial.

John Lewis has appointed Vikki Kavanagh as chief commercial officer, effective April 2025, following Kathleen Mitchell's departure after three years in the role. Kavanagh brings extensive experience from her position as managing director of Net-a-Porter and Mr Porter, combined with senior buying and merchandising roles at traditional department stores including Harvey Nichols, House of Fraser, and Fenwick. Reporting to executive director Peter Ruis, she will be tasked with evolving and enhancing the customer offering. Ruis emphasized Kavanagh's strategic vision and commercial acumen as key factors in her appointment. The new chief commercial officer expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to redefine the UK omnichannel retail experience, signaling a continued focus on digital transformation while maintaining John Lewis's traditional strengths.

IADS Notes: The appointment of Vikki Kavanagh as chief commercial officer, with her significant experience at Net-a-Porter and Mr Porter, signals John Lewis's commitment to digital transformation. This strategic hire aligns with broader industry trends seen in December 2024, where successful department stores increasingly focused on integrating digital capabilities with traditional retail strengths. The timing is particularly significant following the company's successful relaunch of "Never Knowingly Undersold" with AI technology, suggesting how traditional retailers are prioritizing leadership with proven digital expertise to drive omnichannel innovation while maintaining their heritage brand values.

John Lewis has a new commercial chief