- What does your new role involve?
I am responsible for setting the personnel strategy for the John Lewis division including recruitment, retention, personnel policy and procedure, learning and development and driving high performance.
- What attracted you to the role?
It was the chance to move from my previous board responsibilities into a role with operational focus. I have a passion for people and the opportunity to shape our partner (employee) agenda was too good to miss.
- What skills and experience do you bring?
I have grown up within the John Lewis Partnership and have worked in Waitrose, John Lewis and the corporate head office which gives me a broad understanding of our unique business. I've also worked on the shop floor and that gives me a real focus on what customers expect.
- What's the greatest challenge over the next 12 months?
Retailing is a demanding business at the best of times, and the current economic environment will make it doubly so in coming months. The challenge will be in balancing the people agenda while building our talent pool for our ambitious expansion programme of new shops.
- What do you do to unwind?
I try hard not to get wound up in the first place. My main relaxation is riding my horse and I have a share in a young horse which I hope will be a good competitive prospect for 2009. Riding is a great combination of fresh air, exercise and distraction from the business.
