Paula Nickolds named as John Lewis managing director

John Lewis has promoted commercial director Paula Nickolds to managing director.

She will take on the role of MD from January 2017, with Dino Rocos responsible for John Lewis operations until that time and over the peak Christmas trading period.

Chairman of the John Lewis Partnership Charlie Mayfield said: “At a time of transformation in the retail sector, Paula's progressive and dynamic leadership is just what's needed for the next phase of modern retailing.”

Nickolds joined the company as a graduate trainee in 1994 before working in a range of senior roles, including becoming buying and brand director in 2013. As commercial director, she was responsible for innovation in John Lewis's product assortment and store layouts.

Nickolds said: “Driven by our unique business model, and with innovation in our DNA, I am immensely excited to lead John Lewis on the next stage of our journey.”