Chairman of the John Lewis Partnership (which owns retailer Waitrose), Sharon White, has requested the Partnership board begin appointing a successor as she enters the latter stages of her five-year term.

The John Lewis Partnership, which owns retailer Waitrose, has around 74,000 employees and operates 329 Waitrose shops.

Sharon White, who was appointed chairman in 2019, has also asked the board to review the accountabilities of the chairman’s role to ensure that these “continue to support the transformation of the business.”

Rita Clifton, deputy chairman and chairman of the Nominations Committee, will oversee the appointment process. As required by the Partnership’s Constitution, the appointment will be approved by the Partnership Board.

White said: “The chairman of the John Lewis Partnership is a special and unique role in UK business. The chairman is responsible for the long-term health of the Partnership’s model – commercial success twinned with a commitment to first rate customer service and action in our communities.

“Having led the Partnership through the pandemic and the worst of the cost-of-living crisis, it is important that there is now a smooth and orderly succession process and handover.

“The Partnership is making progress in its modernisation and transformation with improving results. There is a long road ahead and I am committed to handing on the strongest possible Partnership to my successor.”