Sir Stuart Hampson was chairman of the John Lewis Partnership
He is one of the longest-serving and most successful leaders of a blue-chip company.
Sir Stuart joined the partnership in 1982 following a twelve-year career in the Civil Service.
In 1986 he was appointed to the Partnership’s Central Board as Director of Research & Expansion and took charge of the Partnership’s development programme.
The Deputy Chairmanship was added to his Partnership responsibilities in 1989. Sir Stuart became the fourth Chairman of the Partnership in 1993.
During those 14 years at the helm of JLP, Sir Stuart presided over a courageous programme of modernisation and all without sacrificing the partnership ethos and principles that were embodied in its 1929 constitution co-ownership and the happiness of its staff.
His 14 years as chairman saw steady expansion, the refurbishment of the Oxford Street and Sloane Square department stores, the extension of trading hours, the expansion of the product range and the establishment of an online presence through John Lewis Direct and Ocado.
The partnership’s 2006 results, announced shortly before Sir Stuart’s departure are a testament to his efforts. Pre-tax profits hit a new high of £319m, up 27 per cent on the previous year, and the 68,000 staff – or “partners” – shared a bonus of £155m, up 29 per cent from 2005 and equivalent to 18 per cent of salaries.
“The success of the John Lewis Partnership comes from a host of improvements made by 68,000 people who are motivated to deliver outstanding customer service, which translates into profits that feed back to staff”
A founding deputy chairman of London First, former Chairman of The Crown Estate and past President of the Royal Agricultural Society of England and The Employee Ownership Association, Sir Stuart continues to champion the benefits of employee engagement in business.
Sir Stuart Hampson Keynote Speaker
As a popular leadership and customer service keynote speaker, Sir Stuart’s speaking topics include:
- Outstanding Customer Service
- Leadership
- Employee Confidence
- Corporate Turnaround
- Employee Satisfaction & Motivation
- Benefits of Employee Engagement
- Retailing
- Marketing & Branding