The managing director of Net-a-Porter has been appointed to a senior role at department store business John Lewis, Retail Week can reveal.
Vikki Kavanagh, who also ran the Mr Porter business at Yoox Net-a-Porter Group, has been appointed chief commercial officer at John Lewis. She will join in April, succeeding Kathleen Mitchell and reporting to John Lewis executive director Peter Ruis.
Kavanagh previously held senior buying and merchandising roles at department stores including Harvey Nichols, House of Fraser and Fenwick.
Ruis said: “Vikki’s extensive experience and proven leadership in the retail sector make her an invaluable addition to our team. Her strategic vision and commercial acumen will be instrumental as we continue to evolve and enhance our customer offering.”
Kavanagh said: “I’m incredibly excited and proud to be joining John Lewis, which is a brand I’ve admired for many years. John Lewis has a unique opportunity to redefine the UK omnichannel retail experience and I’m looking forward to working with the team to deliver an exceptional offer for our customers.”
Mitchell stood down from her position at John Lewis at the end of last year.
John Lewis is in the midst of a reinvigoreation programme led by Ruis, who returned to the business last year. He has since overseen a raft of changes including the revival of the Never Knowingly Undersold price promise and a revamp of the flagship Oxford Street store.
The John Lewis Partnership, which also owns grocer Waitrose, is expected to pubish its latest financial results next month.
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