Ex-Co-op chief Anderson leaves John Lewis role

DAVID Anderson, the former boss of the Co-operative Group’s financial services division, has resigned from the board of retailer John Lewis Partnership on health grounds.

Mr Anderson, who was instrumental in leading the mutual into a merger with Britannia Building Society – a deal which many observers believe was a major factor behind last year’s financial crisis at the Co-op Bank – has been on the board of John Lewis since February 2011.

He also served as chair of the employee-owned company’s audit and risk committee from  August 2012.

Sir Charlie Mayfield, chairman of the John Lewis Partnership said: “I am very sad that it has become necessary for David to step down in these circumstances and would like to thank him for his contribution and leadership of the audit and risk committee during his time on the board.”

John Lewis said Baroness Hogg would take this role on until September 2014 when she is due to retire.