What: The newly appointed CEO is trying to mobilize minds ahead of two crucial votes.

Why it is important: John Lewis Partnership has the occasion to show that the group is still as agile as in the past, and able to transform itself in order to reconnect with growth.

John Lewis' newly appointed CEO, Nish Kankiwala, has warned that the department store and grocery group is not producing enough profit and requires rapid change. Kankiwala's comments come as the company prepares for a confidence vote in the chair's leadership and revival plan next month.

The employee-owned company, which owns department stores and supermarket Waitrose, reported a pre-tax loss of £234 million last year.

Kankiwala aims to ensure the executive team delivers the overall commercial plan and helps return the retailer to profitability. A staff poll revealed areas that need improvement, such as rewards, strategy, and transformation. The partnership's council will cast two confidence votes in May, expressing their view on the chair's leadership and support for future progress.

John Lewis not producing sufficient profit according to CEO