THE overhaul of John Lewis

is being led by 45-year-old managing director Paula Nickolds ( pictured). She took over from Andy Street last year, becoming the first woman to hold a top job in the department store’s 154year history. The north Londoner discovered a love for retail after following her father Clive Nickolds around shops when he worked as a senior director at M&S.

She joined John Lewis in 1994 as a graduate trainee at its flagship store on Oxford Street and landed her first major job as a buyer in childrenswear.