NEWS Bluestem Group enters new distribution partnership B


luestem Group has agreed a distribution partnership with De’Longhi, Kenwood and Braun. De’Longhi was born in 1974, initially specialising in


electric radiators before diversifying into other ranges. Today the brand offers innovative appliances for comfort and kitchen, with coffee machines representing the heart of the brand. Kenwood, a British leading global brand, has over 70 years in manufacturing baking and food preparation products. Kenwood has built a reputation for quality, durability and exceptional performance. Braun is a premium German brand, specialising in household kitchen appliances. Combining technical innovation, sustainable development and outstanding design, Braun has become a world leader in small domestic appliances. A brochure will be created to showcase the ranges, and we will be featuring a selection of these products at our upcoming trade shows.


Rebecca Batchelor, Group manager, commented: “De’Longhi,


Kenwood and Braun are highly respected brands in our industry, with innovative products known for their style, design, quality, and functionality. We are extremely pleased to partner with such a prestigious group and to expand our portfolio of brands to our customers.”


John Lewis Partnership makes key appointments


of the Year in 2013, in a period where its proposition modernised, it became an omni-channel leader, and its hallmark Christmas adverts were introduced. As buying and brand director, Ruis had executive responsibility for the commercial and marketing arms of the business. “It’s a great privilege to return to the John Lewis Partnership after 10 years. The John Lewis brand is iconic, loved and trusted by millions of customers across the UK and I’m excited to lead the next phase of the transformation. As the biggest employee-owned business in the UK, we have a huge opportunity to make even more of the unique Partner difference to provide exceptional products and service for our customers,” he said.


J


ohn Lewis Partnership has made two senior appointments. Peter Ruis has been appointed to the role of executive director


to lead John Lewis through the next phase of its transformation. Ruis, who joined the Partnership’s executive team on 15 January 2024, has more than 30 years of leadership experience at a number of leading retailers and brands. He was most recently CEO at Indigo plc in Canada, leading the business as it transitioned out of the pandemic over the past three years. Before that he led Anthropologie’s international drive as MD, and was CEO at Jigsaw for four years, taking the brand into 11 countries and on to the catwalk at London Fashion Week. A former John Lewis director on its executive team, Ruis joined


the Partnership in 2005. For over nine years he was a key part of the transformation that led to John Lewis being crowned Retailer


4 | January/February 2024


Naomi Simcock, who stepped up as interim executive director for John Lewis, has been appointed into a new role as operations director for John Lewis. Working closely with Ruis, Simcock will take responsibility for John Lewis Retail and Supply Chain. “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed stepping in to lead John Lewis and working with Partners across the business to deliver the quality, value and service our customers expect. I’m looking forward to continuing to be part of the John Lewis Leadership team, supporting our Partners and ensuring our department stores and supply chain continue to deliver for our customers,” she said. Nish Kankiwala, CEO of the John Lewis Partnership, added: “It’s fantastic to welcome Peter back to the Partnership. He has a deep understanding of customers, brands and product from his 30-year career spanning a variety of major high street and online retailers. “He also brings a clear and proven passion for the John Lewis brand and the Partnership model, and I have no doubt he will be integral to our future success. “I’d like to extend my enormous thanks to Naomi for her unwavering commitment and leadership of the John Lewis teams and business this past year. Naomi will do a brilliant job leading our retail and supply chain teams, working closely with Peter and the John Lewis leadership team.”


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