John Lewis Partnership hires new deputy chairman

The John Lewis Partnership, a UK company that operates John Lewis department stores, Waitrose supermarkets, and some other services, has appointed Keith Williams as non-executive deputy chairman, effective April 4, 2016.

Keith succeeds Mark Price who leaves the Partnership on April 4, 2016.

Keith joined the Partnership Board as a non-executive director in March 2014. In addition to his new role as deputy chairman, Keith has agreed to extend his term as a non-executive director for a further two years, according to a press release.

Williams is currently the executive chairman of British Airways and is retiring from his role on March31, 2016. He joined the airline in 1998 and became chief executive in 2011. Prior to joining British Airways he worked for a range of major corporations including Reckitt and Coleman, Apple Computer Inc and Boots. He is also the independent non-executive director of Transport for London.

Sir Charlie Mayfield, chairman of the John Lewis Partnership said, “I’m delighted Keith has agreed to take up the role of deputy chairman. In the two years since his appointment to the Board he has made a valuable contribution to the Partnership and I look forward to working with him in his new role.”