Waitrose managing director James Bailey is set to leave the business next month (September), after only five years in the role.
Mr Bailey, who joined the John Lewis Partnership-owned grocer in 2020, will step down at the end of September. During his tenure he has guided the business through the challenges of the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis, while overseeing growth in sales and customer numbers.
Waitrose Retail Director Tina Mitchell will take on the role of interim MD while the Partnership begins the search for a permanent successor.
Commenting on his departure, Mr Bailey said: “It’s been a great privilege to lead this unique and special business and most especially to get to know all the Partners who make it what it is. I’m very proud of everything we’ve achieved together. Waitrose is back on a very strong footing with record customer numbers, strong sales growth and a turnaround in profitability – so after five and a half years this feels like the right time to hand over the reins.”
John Lewis Partnership Chair Jason Tarry praised Bailey’s contribution: “James has done an outstanding job, overseeing significant transformation and growth during a period of change. He will leave Waitrose in a much stronger position and will be missed by colleagues across the business.”
The Partnership confirmed that recruitment for Bailey’s successor is already underway, with further updates to follow.
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