John Lewis Partnership appoints new director of property

Martin Gafsen will join the John Lewis Partnership (JLP) on 13 November as the new director of property, reporting into executive director of finance, Bérangère Michel.

Martin Gafsen was property and facilities director for the Royal Mail Group for 16 years, leading the strategy for its nationwide freehold and leasehold estate, including facilities management, construction and development.

He was Royal Mail’s investment director for the five years previous where he was responsible for appraisals and recommendations of all major group investment projects, as well as leading the mergers and acquisitions team.

Gafsen’s early career saw him qualify and practice as a solicitor. Before joining Royal Mail, he spent six years in the corporate finance team at Paribas investment bank followed by management consulting and in-house corporate finance roles.

Gafsen said: “It’s a great privilege to join the Partnership, home to two of the UK’s most loved brands. With an extensive and valuable property portfolio, we have an important role to play in ensuring it continues delivering value for the long term benefit of customers and Partners for generations to come.”

Michel, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Martin to the Partnership. His wealth of experience will be instrumental in helping to deliver our future growth. I would also like to wish Chris Harris all the best for the future and thank him for his immense contribution to our business.”