LONDON — British department store John Lewis on Monday appointed Will Kernan its managing director, succeeding Peter Ruis, who is stepping down to pursue new projects, as part of “an orderly succession plan.”

Ruis, who returned to John Lewis in 2024 after a previous nine-year stint that included serving as buying and brand director, will remain with the business until Sept. 6.

The company said that during his tenure, John Lewis achieved “record customer satisfaction” with moves such as updating the digital platform and search capabilities, investment in stores ,including the Glasgow renovation, additions of brand and restaurant offers such as Topshop and the Platter concept, and an update of the “Never Knowingly Undersold” brand promise.

“After nearly three years of significant investment and modernization, the business is now on a much stronger footing,” Ruis said in a statement.

Kernan will take up the role in mid-September, ahead of the peak trading period, the company said.

He has held a series of senior retail posts over a 35-year career, including chief executive officer roles at River Island, The White Company and Wiggle, and a 13-year tenure at New Look in positions including group financial director, chief operating officer and group managing director.

Kernan has most recently been chairman of furniture and kitchen retailer Neptune and joined the John Lewis Partnership board as a non-executive director in 2023.

“Having served on the Partnership’s board for three years, I have a clear understanding of the John Lewis business and a huge appreciation for the Partnership’s values and employee-ownership model. We have significant headroom for growth, and I’m looking forward to leading the team to ensure John Lewis remains the country’s most trusted and loved retailer, in store and online,” said Kernan.

John Lewis has 36 stores and an omnichannel presence. It also has hospitality and retail partnerships including Benugo, Ori Cafe and Jamie Oliver’s Cookery School and café, as well as Waterstones bookshops and David Clulow Opticians.

In 2024, the business was granted a Royal Warrant as a supplier of household goods and furnishings to King Charles III.