Former John Lewis Partnership (JLP) chief operating officer Andrew Murphy has joined The Entertainer as its chief executive.

Andrew Murphy, The Entertainer

Andrew Murphy will join The Entertainer as CEO in October 

Murphy announced his decision to leave JLP last November, taking to LinkedIn to explain that turning 50 and feeling the “tick-tock” of the milestone birthday had prompted him to move on after 30 years with the retailer.

He said he had spent more than 11,000 days as a John Lewis partner, rising up the ranks after starting as a sales assistant. 

Murphy will join toy retailer The Entertainer in the middle of October as group chief executive. 

He said: ”My time with the John Lewis Partnership comes to an end in the next few weeks. I owe the business a great deal and will forever be a well-wisher.

“However, the opportunity I’ve had to reflect during my 12-month notice period means I’m now more than ready to look to the future and I’m absolutely delighted to be joining The Entertainer as group CEO from the middle of next month.

“It’s humbling to be trusted to oversee the continued growth and development of this fantastic business. With over 170 UK shops, a further 220 globally and a growing product distribution business, The Entertainer, along with Early Learning Centre and Addo Play, have become mainstays in the lives of children and parents across Britain and many other countries.

“I can’t wait (patience not being one of my virtues!) to join the brilliant team behind such a great British success story and – like the Partnership – a founder and a company who believe in business as a ‘force for good’ across the communities in which they trade.

Murphy replaces Mark Campbell, who left the retailer this summer.