John Lewis names former Tesco exec as new Waitrose boss

Waitrose has moved quickly to replace Bailey, who announced his departure only two weeks ago.

John Lewis said Denyard brings a “wealth of retail leadership experience”, having most recently worked at Tesco, where he held a number of senior roles, including managing director of Tesco Online, CEO of Tesco Mobile and chief operating officer of Tesco stores in Malaysia – alongside a number of positions in food buying.

He began his career at Unilever, where he held a number of roles across sales, marketing, category, strategy and general management, and was also head of brand for food at Marks & Spencer.

John Lewis Partnership chair Jason Tarry said: “I’m delighted to appoint Tom as the managing director for Waitrose. Tom’s blend of brand, customer, commercial and operational experience makes him the ideal person to take the business forward. I’m confident that under his guidance, Waitrose will continue to thrive and innovate, delivering exceptional quality and service to our customers, building on the impressive progress made by James Bailey and the Waitrose team.”

Denyard said: “I’m incredibly proud and excited to take on the role of managing director for Waitrose and join a broader partnership I hugely admire. Waitrose is a brilliant brand with wonderful values and fantastic partners, which bring them to life day in and day out for our customers.

“I can’t wait to start the work of building on the terrific progress James and the whole team have made in enhancing the customer offer in recent years, and ensuring Waitrose is the destination for quality food and outstanding service. It’s a massively exciting time for the brand and the Partnership; I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Partner to bring continued success.”

Denyard will take up his new role in January, succeeding Bailey, who is leaving Waitrose at the end of September.

Current Waitrose retail director, Tina Mitchell, will be interim managing director until Denyard arrives.