John Lewis drafts in Collect+ boss for e-commerce push
John Lewis has signaled the growing importance of its online business to future growth by hiring Collect+ CEO Mark Lewis as online director, a newly created board level role.
Lewis, who was also managing director of eBay UK for six years, will be responsible for driving the development and profitability of the department store’s online operations. His appointment reflects the importance John Lewis is placing on delivery of its online offering and developing convenient ways for customers to shop online and through its multichannel operations.
John Lewis managing director Andy Street says: “Mark is ideally placed to continue the growth and development of our online business. He brings insight and experience of the retail sector, and will be driving further innovation across both our website and omni-channel offer.”
News of the appointment comes as John Lewis reports 40 per cent growth in online sales in the week to 19 January. Store sales growth slowed during the week as snow kept shoppers away from high streets. Total sales increased 6.7 per cent to £59.5m.
Lewis will join the department store’s John Lewis management board as online director in March and report to managing director Andy Street. John Lewis’ existing omnichannel team, led by Karen Dracou, head of omnichannel development, will report to him.
Much of Lewis’ responsibilities were previously held by Andrea O’Donnell who was commercial director until last year.
Collect+ allows consumers to arrange delivery of online purchases to their local corner shop to negate the need to wait for delivery at home, which can create a barrier to online purchase.
