John Lewis buying director for home Maureen Dunn has left the department store group.

Dunn’s departure came as John Lewis – best known for its home offer, but increasingly driving its fashion credentials – revealed a slump at the division last year as consumers reined in spending on big-ticket items.

The retailer, which has been aggressively pursuing fashion sales, will also launch its second fashion advertising campaign on Monday, featuring supermodel Karen Elson.

Retail Week was given an exclusive preview of the spring/summer campaign, which features 30 boutique-style new brands including Tara Jarmon, Paul & Joe Sister, Steve Madden shoes, City of Other jeans and Anonymous by Ross + Bute.

Last week, John Lewis revealed that sales for home in the year to January 31 dropped 6.7 per cent to£962m. Fashion sales rose 4.7 per cent to£928m.

Dunn, who held her post at John Lewis for six years, will be replaced by head of product development Paula Nickolds from Monday. She will report to merchandise director Jill Little.

A John Lewis spokeswoman said: “Following the successful re-organisation of the John Lewis Home buyerships under Maureen Dunn’s leadership, Maureen has decided to leave the Partnership to develop her career elsewhere.”

Full-year operating profits at John Lewis slumped 27 per cent to£53.5m. Total sales fell 0.1 per cent to£2.81bn, a 3.4 per cent like-for-like decline.

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