James Bailey joined The John Lewis Partnership in April 2020. He is the Executive Director, Waitrose and a member of the Partnership’s Executive Committee, reporting to Executive Chairman, Dame Sharon White.  

Previously James spent 18 years working at Sainsbury's in Strategic, Insight and Commercial roles culminating in the last 8 as Buying Director for the Grocery division. His key personal achievements include pioneering on colleague well being, switching Sainsbury's milk supply to a cost of production model and establishing 'Future Brands' function to support start up food suppliers.  

Since James’s arrival at Waitrose he has redrawn the Agriculture Strategy for the John Lewis Partnership.  At its heart is transparency of the supply chain, a net zero UK farming supply base by 2035, reduction in waste on farms and in the wider supply chain, and maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare. 

James has also held roles in the NHS and Barclays. He is also an active advisor to, investor in and even founder of start up business and social enterprises - focus on food but also education technology and last mile logistics tech.