John Lewis has added retail development, format development and retail implementation responsibilities to commercial director Andrea O’Donnell’s current responsibilities for multichannel and online selling. The appointment brings together ‘bricks’ and ‘clicks’ growth under one director for the first time, says the department store chain, in “a shift that recognises changing customer shopping habits.”

“John Lewis has made no secret of the fact it intends to build on its multichannel strengths. By putting accountability for bricks and clicks in one area, our board now has the best possible structure to deliver the division’s ambitious plans,” says Andy Street, managing director of John Lewis. “Andrea has driven forward our multichannel offering and overseen the very successful relaunch of our fashion website so is ideally placed to deliver innovation across all our channels and formats.”

“I am delighted and really excited about this new opportunity,” says O’Donnell. “Last year saw John Lewis open its first ‘at home’ shop and there are many more opportunities to bring John Lewis closer to our customers. I am looking forward to finding new ways to ensure that the experience is seamless, no matter how people choose to shop.”

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