Finance

UK supermarket Waitrose says boss James Bailey to step down

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on August 21, 2025

1 min read

· Last updated: January 22, 2026

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UK supermarket Waitrose says boss James Bailey to step down
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LONDON (Reuters) -British supermarket group Waitrose said on Thursday its boss James Bailey will quit the business at the end of next month. Bailey has held the managing director role at the upmarket

Waitrose Managing Director James Bailey to Depart by Month's End

Leadership Transition at Waitrose

LONDON (Reuters) -British supermarket group Waitrose said on Thursday its boss James Bailey will quit the business at the end of next month.

James Bailey's Tenure and Departure

Bailey has held the managing director role at the upmarket grocer, which is part of the employee-owned John Lewis Partnership, since 2020, steering it through the pandemic and the cost of living crisis.

Future Leadership Plans

No reason was given by Waitrose for his abrupt departure, though Bailey said: "This feels like the right time to hand over the reins."

Partnership Chairman Jason Tarry, a former Tesco executive, added: "We will be sad to see James go but understand and respect his decision to step down."

Waitrose, which has a 4.4% share of Britain's grocery market, said Tina Mitchell, currently retail director, will become interim managing director when Bailey leaves on September 30.

(Reporting by James Davey, Editing by Paul Sandle)

Key Takeaways

  • James Bailey to leave Waitrose by the end of next month.
  • Bailey has been managing director since 2020.
  • No specific reason given for Bailey's departure.
  • Tina Mitchell to become interim managing director.
  • Waitrose is part of the John Lewis Partnership.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is James Bailey leaving Waitrose?
No reason was given by Waitrose for his abrupt departure, though Bailey stated: 'This feels like the right time to hand over the reins.'
Who will replace James Bailey as managing director?
Tina Mitchell, currently the retail director, will become the interim managing director when Bailey leaves on September 30.
What has been James Bailey's role at Waitrose?
Bailey has held the managing director role at Waitrose since 2020, steering the company through the pandemic and the cost of living crisis.
What is Waitrose's market share in the UK grocery sector?
Waitrose has a 4.4% share of Britain's grocery market.
Who commented on James Bailey's departure?
Partnership Chairman Jason Tarry, a former Tesco executive, expressed sadness over Bailey's departure but respected his decision.

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