Housewares Business-to-business magazine for housewares retailers and their suppliers
John Lewis has appointed Paula Nickolds as buying & brand director. She will replace Peter Ruis, who has moved on to become CEO of fashion retailer Jigsaw.
Paula succeeds Peter on September 1. She joined the company as a graduate trainee and has been progressively promoted to her most recent role as buying director, home.
John Lewis managing director Andy Street said: “I’m delighted Paula will be joining the John Lewis management board as buying & brand director. Paula has a profound understanding of what makes us unique in the global retail marketplace. She is ideally placed to ensure that we continually strive for innovation in our product offering and drive forward our brand, design and customer experience.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Peter Ruis for nine years of outstanding contribution. Peter has revolutionised our fashion, home and technology offer. We will all be sad to see him go and wish him the very best of luck for his new role.”
Paula Nickolds said: “I’m thrilled and honoured by this opportunity. Our product range is the most inspiring it has ever been and our brand has achieved new levels of external recognition so I’m excited to be tasked with taking it to the next level.”‘
Paula will take on the leadership of the home, fashion and technology buying teams in addition to marketing, brand development, brand creative, retail design, design studios, visual merchandising and sourcing.
Peter Ruis commented: “To work with John Lewis and its proposition during a period of such dynamic change has been a wonderful privilege. I know that Paula will build on this momentum, maintaining innovation and creativity at its very core.”
