Jill Little, merchandise director at John Lewis, is leaving the role in August to take on the job of strategy director for the retailer. The move comes ahead of her retirement in March 2011 and means that for some months she will be focusing on future developments that will shape the future of the high street name.

“Jill has made an enormous contribution to our business over the last 33 years,” said John Lewis managing director Andy Street. “It is hard to encapsulate all she has done for the John Lewis operation but the market share we have gained while she has been merchandise director, as well as the current success of our recent advertising, coupled with clear growth in our business all speak volumes about the debt we owe to Jill.”

Peter Ruis, currently buying director, fashion, will take up a newly created role in August with the title of buying and brand director. This new role on the John Lewis board will focus on the buying operation, key aspects of the customer proposition and marketing.

Peter Ruis said: “This is an enormously exciting time for me and for the business. I look forward to building on what Jill has achieved and taking the John Lewis brand forward with new initiatives coupled with a future proposition dedicated even more to predicting and meeting all our customers’ requirements.”

Related news

• John Lewis brings ‘bricks and clicks’ growth under one board director
• John Lewis extends delivery to 27 countries
• Waitrose.com adds John Lewis kitchen and homeware products
• John Lewis price promise reaps rewards
• Sitel wins John Lewis customer service contract
• John Lewis announces latest sites for ‘at home’ format