The John Lewis Partnership has named the newest member of its overhauled executive team as Nikki Humphrey.

She will commence her new role as executive director for people on October 1, replacing retiring Tracey Killen, who was with the group for 38 years.

Humphrey, who joins from her position as chief people officer at Virgin Atlantic, will be responsible for creating a people strategy for the Partnership’s 80,000 Partners.

She is the latest addition to John Lewis’ new executive team, following the appointments of James Bailey as executive director of Waitrose in April and Pippa Wicks as executive director of John Lewis last month.

John Lewis Partnership chair Sharon White said: ”This appointment comes at a time where we are working hard to develop our people strategy.

“Nikki’s impressive experience will help ensure the Partnership continues to be a great place to work for current and future partners, that both rewards and develops Partners, provides exceptional health and wellbeing support and improves our diversity and inclusion strategy, truly reflecting the communities we serve.”

Humphrey added: ”I’m very excited to be joining the Partnership at this time. It’s a huge privilege to lead the people team and the people strategy for the 80,000 partners.

“I’m really looking forward to working together with Partners, to shape the future and continue to provide the wonderful experience that is so valued by customers.”

The news comes as part of White’s company and strategy overhaul, which has seen eight John Lewis stores closed this month and the departure of Partnership veterans Paula Nickolds and Rob Collins.