The overhaul, resulting in the departure of Waitrose managing director Rob Collins, is designed to enable the partnership to ”break out of the cycle of declining returns that are affecting most established retailers”, said JLP chair Sir Charlie Mayfield.

As part of the retailer’s Future Partnership Plan, Waitrose and John Lewis will be managed by a single executive team reporting to the chair. There will no longer be divisional boards or separate managing directors.

John Lewis managing director Paula Nickolds will become executive director, brand, responsible for “the continued enhancement of the Partnership’s brands and leading the development of customer experience and future innovations”.