John Lewis Partnership has appointed an executive director of strategy and commercial development to its top team.

Nina Bhatia will report directly to chair Dame Sharon White and will start her role on February 17.

Formerly managing director of Hive – Europe’s largest connected home business – Bhatia brings a wealth of experience leading digitally-led businesses and knowledge and expertise in strategy across various sectors.

Prior to Hive, she headed one of British Gas’ home services businesses and was a partner at McKinsey & Co.

Bhatia has a double-first degree in law from Cambridge University and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

Bhatia said: “I am delighted to be joining the partnership. The business’s purpose and its two incredibly strong brands resonate strongly with me. Working with partners across the business, I look forward to developing a strategy for the partnership that is relevant to our customers, is built on trust and delivers commercial value.”

White said: “Nina brings tremendous commercial and strategic experience and will play a crucial role as part of the newly formed Future Partnership executive team.”