John Lewis brings 'bricks and clicks' growth under one director
09 March 2010 09:35
Department store chain John Lewis has consolidated responsibility for retail development, format development and retail implementation into one role under commercial director Andrea O'Donnell, in addition to her current remit for multichannel and online selling.
She will continue to report to managing director Andy Street.
This announcement will bring together 'bricks and clicks' growth under one director, a shift that "recognises changing customer shopping habits" according to the company.
Ms O'Donnell will take up the position on March 28th. She became commercial director in February 2009 having joined the John Lewis Partnership in June 2004 as head of buying operations.Prior to this she was buying and merchandising director at Hackett having previously held a variety of buying, merchandising and supply chain roles in Arcadia, Debenhams and Jaeger.
Andy Street, managing director, John Lewis, said: "It is extremely good news that Andrea will be taking on the remit for our new shops programme alongside her current responsibilities. 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. 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".
Ms O'Donnell said: "I am delighted and really excited about this new opportunity. 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".
Ms O'Donnell's new position encompasses the retail development elements of retail director Gareth Thomas' role, who will take early retirement this month.
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