YP Comment: The female face of John Lewis

A DEPARTMENT store which has prided itself on being never knowingly undersold, this principle certainly applies to Paula Nickolds who has become the first female managing director in John Lewis's illustrious 152-year history.

A shrewd businesswoman who cut her cloth as a graduate trainee in the haberdashery department, it falls to her to offset any consequences of Brexit and she cut an impressive figure at her first Press briefing when she signalled a desire for 50 per cent of all brands to be exclusive to John Lewis – she clearly believes this uniqueness to be a priceless commodity.

Yet, while she’s fortunate to hail from a family steeped in retail, she is a great role model for young women who are looking to fulfil, and then exceed, their own career potential as well as becoming bread-winners in their own right.

As the example of Ms Nickolds shows, there’s far more to retail than stacking shelves or working on the tills. Her roles included sourcing products, before she was promoted into managerial positions. She’s a walking, talking,

breathing example of what can be achieved with application and ambition – two traits that will become invaluable to men and women alike as John Lewis, and Britain, prepare for Brexit.

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