Fashion chief Peter Ruis makes exit from John Lewis

Peter Ruis, the man who moved John Lewis's clothing away from Are You Being Served? to become a draw for fashionistas, yesterday quit as buying and brand director of the partnership.

Mr Ruis is to take on the top job at Jigsaw as chief executive after nine years at John Lewis and an earlier spell at Marks & Spencer.

Paula Nickolds, who joined John Lewis as a graduate trainee, will replace Mr Ruis, moving from her current role as buying director for its home division. She will take up her new position on 1 September.