John Lewis Seeks Boss for UK Grocer Waitrose After Bailey’s Exit

John Lewis Partnership Plc is seeking a new managing director for its upmarket grocer Waitrose following the departure of James Bailey, who joined the supermarket in 2020 and led it through the pandemic.

The company gave no reason for his departure, with Bailey saying “this feels like the right time to hand over the reins.” Tina Mitchell, retail director for Waitrose, will take over on an interim basis on Sept. 30 when Bailey steps down, John Lewis said in a statement Thursday.