John Lewis department store managing director Peter Ruis is stepping down from the role next month, ending a near three-year return to the British retailer.

The John Lewis Partnership announced on Monday that Ruis will leave the business to “pursue new projects”, with current partnership board member Will Kernan set to take over as managing director in mid-September.

The change is being described by the retailer as an “orderly succession plan” and comes as John Lewis prepares for its busiest trading period of the year.

Ruis returned to John Lewis in January 2024 after holding several senior positions across the retail industry. He had previously spent nine years with the business, working across buying and brand roles before leaving for other leadership positions.

During his latest stint, Ruis has overseen a period of investment and modernisation across the department store business.

“After nearly three years of significant investment and modernisation, the business is now on a much stronger footing,” Ruis said in a company statement. He added that he was proud of what had been achieved and thanked John Lewis customers, partners, brands and suppliers for their support.

Ruis will remain with the company until September 6, while Kernan is expected to formally take over in mid-September.