Former Tesco boss and grocery retail veteran Jason Tarry is to become the new chairman of John Lewis Partnership, succeeding Dame Sharon White.

Just a month ago, the employee-owned company, which runs the department store chain and Waitrose supermarkets business, returned to profit for the first time in two years.

Mr Tarry, who spent three decades at Tesco, most recently as its UK chief executive, will take over in September, six months before the end of the current chairman’s term. Ms Sharon will leave her post in February 2025 and will “support the transition as needed”, company announced.

Since joining from Ofcom in 2020, Ms Sharon has led a major overhaul that included a significant number of store closures and a move into new business areas such as housing. Although her turnaround plan had begun to show signs of success, she faced criticism for her lack of retail experience and announced her departure in October.

Last month’s results marked the second time in the partnership’s history that workers did not receive annual bonuses.

Mr Tali said: “This partnership and its brand stand for trust, value, quality and service and it is a great honor to succeed Sharon as seventh chairman.

“This partnership is unique and I have always admired the employee ownership model, its values ​​and partner-led customer service. It starts with a strong focus on being a great retailer for our customers and investing in growth.”

The company said he would receive the same pay and conditions as his predecessor – with Lady Sharon’s deal reportedly worth around £1m a year.

Ms Sharon said: “I am delighted to hand over the reins to Jason, who brings outstanding retail experience and transformational leadership.

“From my many conversations with Jason, he has demonstrated a clear appreciation for the partnership model and embraces it. I look forward to welcoming him to the partnership in September and a smooth transition.”

Rita Clifton, Vice Chair and Chair of the Nominating Committee, said: “The Board sincerely thanks Sharon for successfully leading the partnership through one of the most testing times in its history – first with COVID-19 and then with life. cost crisis. She faced the toughest decisions and oversaw the partnership’s financial recovery.

“As the partnership enters the next phase of modernization, focusing on our core retail business and future growth, we are confident that Jason will provide inspirational leadership and a proven track record of success in multi-channel, multi-category retail , and a strong alignment with the values ​​we seek in a partner in this role.”

Retail analyst Neil Saunders said: “In my view this is an excellent appointment. It addresses the legitimate criticism of the lack of retail experience at the top which has been a huge issue during Lady Sharon’s tenure. points of contention.

“It also sends a clear signal that the partnership intends to refocus its efforts on the core of its business, which is exactly what it needs to do.”