Paula Nickolds

Paula Margaret Nickolds (born 3 February 1973) is a British businesswoman who has been the chief executive of The White Company since March 2024. From January 2017 until January 2020, she was the managing director of the John Lewis department store chain.

Early life Nickolds was born on 3 February 1973. Her father, Clive Nickolds, was a senior director at Marks & Spencer, and head of its international operations. While she was studying at Southampton, her father relocated to Canada for M&S, and she visited during breaks to work at Holt Renfrew.

Career In 1994, Nickolds joined John Lewis as a graduate trainee at their Oxford Street flagship store.

In May 2021, it was announced that she has been appointed by Sainsbury's to run its £7.8bn clothing and general merchandise arm, putting her head-to-head with her former employer John Lewis.

In January 2024, it was announced that she was leaving Sainsbury's to become chief executive at The White Company, starting at the end of March.

Personal life Nickolds is married to David Morley, a former John Lewis manager, whom she met while working there.