John Lewis boss to launch new concept for retailer

MAGGIE Porteous, managing director of The John Lewis Partnership’s two Greater Manchester department stores, is taking a nine -month break to help launch a new concept for the retailer.

Mrs Porteous, who runs the Cheadle and Trafford Centre stores, has been seconded as Head of Selling Operations to John Lewis at Home, which launched last year with a trial store in Poole, Dorset.

She said: “This is a very exciting opportunity for me, setting up a new operation within the John Lewis division. The John Lewis at  Home stores are a new format, small scale operation focusing solely on home and technology.”

The next shop opens in Croydon next month, followed by Swindon in October and Tunbridge Wells in November.

During her secondment her shoes will be filled by Margaret Jacques, who is currently the managing director of John Lewis Liverpool.