Paula Nickolds has been appointed as a managing director of John Lewis, becoming the first woman in the role in the department store chain's 152-year history.
Miss Nickolds has been promoted from her current role as commercial director and replaces long-serving boss Andy Street, who stepped down after joining the West Midlands mayoral race on a Conservative Party ticket.
Sir Charlie Mayfield, the chairman of the John Lewis Partnership, 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."
Miss Nickolds said: "As a partner with 22 years' service, I know just how special the John Lewis Partnership is.
"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."
Miss Nickolds joined the partnership in 1994 as a graduate trainee and rose through the ranks, holding buying roles across fashion and home categories.
Subsequent positions included head of buying for furniture and head of brand development before she became commercial director in 2015.
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