Sir Charlie Mayfield, chairman of the John Lewis Partnership, is to take up the chair of the British Retail Consortium (BRC) this autumn.
He will start his term of office as vice chair in May before taking over as chair when Sir Ian Cheshire steps down from the role at the end of September.
He held the position for the past two years.
“I am very much looking forward to chairing the BRC as we continue to modernise and campaign on behalf of the whole industry,” said Mayfield.
It is critical to have a strong and effective trade association to "galvanise retail employers and attract the very best new talent" from across society into retail, he added.
The BRC’s director general Helen Dickinson said, "We're extremely pleased that Charlie is to become our new chair."
"The experience and leadership he brings will be essential as we continue to represent retail at its best."
She added that the BRC owes a large debt of thanks to Ian for his guidance, insight and support as chair, during which time the BRC underwent further transformation.
“We are especially grateful for Ian's support for the retail industry's business rates campaign which goes from strength to strength.”
