John Lewis appoints chief transformation and technology officer

No comments

The John Lewis Partnership has hired a chief transformation and technology officer – its first such role at an executive level.

Zak Mian

Zak Mian has been appointed to the post. Mian, who was most recently group transformation director at Lloyds Banking Group, will lead John Lewis Partnership’s transformation, technology and change teams, and brings more than 30 years of experience in such fields.

The retailer said Mian’s appointment “further strengthens our transformation capability as we continue to deliver our five-year partnership plan.”

He will join the partnership, which owns grocer Waitrose as well as eponymous John Lewis department stores, next week.

John Lewis Partnership chair Dame Sharon White said: “I’m delighted that Zak is joining. He brings a wealth of experience and an impressive background in business transformation and has a strong sense of purpose, which make him a great fit for the partnership.”

Mian said: “I’m really looking forward to helping shape an environment in which partners can do their best work, enable the transformation of our business through technology and deliver great experiences for our customers.”

The partnership is in the midst of a turnaround programme overseen by White, who has brought in a raft of new directors and is shifting the business model beyond traditional retail into areas such as financial services.

In September, the business reported deepening losses in its first half as it confronted challenges such as cost inflation and changing shopping habits.