What: A piece exploring the reasons why Sharon White is the shortest chairman at John Lewis in the history of the retailer.

Why is it important: John Lewis has been struggling for the past decade or so, and is in need of a structural fix.

Sharon White's decision to leave her role as the boss of John Lewis took many in the company by surprise. Her tenure of five years will make her the shortest-serving chair in the company's history. Her leadership came at a challenging time, as she joined just before the COVID-19 pandemic, which turned many city centers into ghost towns. White faced scrutiny for various strategic moves, including store closures, slashing debt, and restructuring efforts. However, she was also criticized for her lack of retail experience and her decisions that seemed to divert focus from the core retail business.

Some criticized her leadership style, suggesting she wasn't listening enough to experienced staff. There were also concerns about her political decisions and the potential sale of significant assets. Her successor will need to decide whether to continue with her strategies or shift direction. As she departs, there are rumors of her potential involvement in a senior role within a new Labour government. The future of John Lewis now hangs in the balance, especially with an upcoming important Christmas season.

Was Sharon White too clever for retail?