John Lewis Partnership has appointed Martin Gafsen as its new director of property, overseeing the strategy and management of the retail group’s property portfolio.
Gafsen joins from Royal Mail Group, where he was interim corporate finance director, having previously been property and facilities director for 16 years.
During his time as property and facilities director, he led the strategy for its nationwide freehold and leasehold estate, including facilities management, construction and development.
Before that, he was Royal Mail’s investment director for five years, responsible for appraisals and recommendations of all major group investment projects, as well as leading the mergers and acquisitions team.
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’s new role will take effect on 13 November. He will report into executive director of finance Bérangère Michel.
Gafsen will replace Chris Harris, who confirmed earlier this year that he would leave the partnership next month.
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: “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.”
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