David Felwick, the man widely credited with having restored the fortunes of Waitrose, is stepping down from the food chain to become deputy chairman of parent group the John Lewis Partnership. Felwick moves over next March and will be replaced as managing director by Steven Esom, currently director of buying. Felwick said: "After 11 momentous years as MD it is appropriate that we should have new blood at the helm. We will have a planned handover between now and then." He added: "We are now looking for a replacement for Steven and we are looking both internally and externally." Esom ­ who has been with Waitrose for five years ­ has long been seen as a possible successor to Felwick, as was the chain's director of selling and marketing Mark Price. Felwick, a former RAF officer, joined the partnership in 1982 and moved from its department stores to become Waitrose's director of selling in 1987. He was appointed MD four years later and, thanks to his leadership, Waitrose has turned from being one the sector's stragglers into a highly respected operator. The acquisition of 11 Somerfield stores last year has helped Felwick to achieve one of his ambitions for Waitrose ­ which was to turn it into a £2bn turnover business. And his move to the partnership comes on the back of a solid performance in the first half of this year. Waitrose sales were up 13% to £1.13bn with record, although undisclosed, profit. The partnership's pre-tax profit rose 15% to £44.1m during the first half, thanks mostly to the Waitrose results. Sir Stuart Hampson, chairman of the partnership, was quick to praise Felwick's work at Waitrose. "The record profit achieved in the half year is an indication of the assured way in which he has built the distinctive character and reputation of Waitrose." Sir Stuart added: "Maintaining that progress in the long term is key to the partnership and next year will be an appropriate time to bring in his successor." {{NEWS }}

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