John Lewis has announced it is scrapping its chief executive position just weeks after Dame Sharon White exited the business.
The partnership said Nish Kankiwala, who became its first-ever chief executive in early 2023, would be stepping down from the role next March.
However, rather than seeking a replacement, John Lewis confirmed that Jason Tarry – who recently replaced Dame Sharon as chairman – will take over all executive responsibilities.
This means he will chair the executive team as well as the partnership board.
Mr Kankiwala said he had “every confidence in Jason taking the partnership from strength to strength in the next phase of our transformation”.
The announcement comes after Mr Tarry took over the chairman post from Dame Sharon earlier this month.
Her tenure as chairman was dogged with criticism in recent years, including claims that she lacked the required retail experience after joining the business from regulator Ofcom.