John Lewis Partnership appoints new director of property

GENERAL MERCHANDISE NEWS

The John Lewis Partnership has appointed Martin Gafsen as director of property.

Gafsen previously worked for 16 years as property and facilities director for Royal Mail where he led the group’s strategy for its nationwide freehold and leasehold estate, including facilities management, construction and development. He was also the group’s investment director for five years.

Earlier in his career, he qualified and practiced as a solicitor. Before joining Royal Mail, he spent six years in the corporate finance team at Paribas investment bank then took up a series of management consulting and in-house corporate finance roles.

In his new position, Gafsen will report to Bérangère Michel, the John Lewis Partnership’s executive director of finance.

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.”

Gafsen will join the partnership on 13 November.