Sir Charlie Mayfield is to become the chairman of the British Retail Consortium (BRC) when the current chairman and Kingfisher chief executive Sir Ian Cheshire stands down in September.

Sir Charlie, currently chairman of the John Lewis Partnership, itself a long standing member of the BRC, will join the retailer group as vice chair in May.

Helen Dickinson, director general, said: “We're extremely pleased that Charlie is to become our new chair. The experience and leadership he brings will be essential as we continue to represent retail at its best. At the same time, we owe a very large debt of thanks to Ian for his guidance, insight and support as our chair, during which time the BRC has undergone yet further transformation. We are especially grateful for Ian's support for the retail industry's business rates campaign which goes from strength to strength and I would like to add my personal thanks for his support in my first year as Director General.”