What: The John Lewis Partnership has announced the appointment of Lisa Cherry as its executive director for people.

Why it is important: Cherry will be tasked with developing and delivering the people strategy for the Partnership’s partners, with a proposition that rewards and develops their position.

Currently serving as group chief people officer, Cherry has also previously worked in senior roles within Sainsbury’s, WHSmith, and Wyevale Garden Centres. Cherry’s early career was spent in customer facing operational roles before joining the Sainsbury’s Graduate Scheme.

She will be succeeding Nikki Humphery, who will be leaving the company to rejoin Virgin as the group’s chief people officer.

John Lewis appoints new executive director for people