Mr Tarry brings over 33 years of experience at Tesco, where he most recently served as the UK & Ireland CEO for six years. His extensive background spans the grocery, general merchandise, and fashion sectors, having held senior commercial, operational, and general management roles.

During his tenure, he delivered market-leading grocery performance in the UK and led the expansion of F&F Clothing across Europe as Group CEO.

Rita Clifton, deputy chairman and chair of the nomination committee, praised Ms White’s leadership, noting that she had successfully guided the partnership through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis. Under her stewardship, the partnership’s financial health has improved, with a return to profit and a strong balance sheet.

On Mr Tarry’s appointment, Ms Clifton said: “As the partnership moves into the next phase of its modernisation focused on our core retail business as well future growth, we are confident that Jason will provide the kind of inspirational leadership, a proven track record in multi-channel, multi-category retail success and a strong identification with partnership values that we are seeking in this role.

“Jason has impressed everyone throughout the interview process with his warmth, his belief in the partnership’s ideals and democratic principles and his appreciation for our unique and special brands.”

Sharon White, chairman of the John Lewis Partnership, said: “I’m delighted to be handing over to Jason, who has a combination of fantastic retail experience with leadership through transformation.

“From my many conversations with Jason, he has demonstrated a clear appreciation for the partnership model and champions it. I look forward to welcoming him to the partnership in September and carrying out a smooth handover.

“I also want to thank partners for their commitment and hard work; it’s been a huge privilege to be Chairman and I’m proud of what everyone has achieved. We’ve built the foundations for a stronger partnership and I’m confident that Jason will take it from strength to strength.”

Jason Tarry, Chairman designate, said: “The partnership and its brands stand for trust, value, quality and service and it’s a great privilege to be succeeding Sharon as the seventh Chairman.

“The partnership is unique and I’ve long been an admirer of the employee-ownership model, its values and partner-led customer service.

“This starts with a sharp focus on being brilliant retailers for customers and investing in growth. I’m looking forward to working with the board, Nish and the executive team to deliver its clear strategy.”

The board has decided that the time commitment, term, and remuneration of the chairman’s role will remain unchanged during this phase of the partnership’s transformation.