As Waitrose md David Felwick this week prepared for his move to a new role at parent group the John Lewis Partnership, he said he looked back with a great deal of pride and satisfaction at what had been achieved during his time with the supermarket chain. And he was able to finish as MD on a high note, as Waitrose announced record results for the last financial year. "It has been an outstanding year for Waitrose, perhaps the best I can remember in my 11 years as MD," Felwick said. He takes up the post of deputy chairman of the Partnership on Monday (March 11). He will also assume the role of general inspector. "That's akin to being an internal non-executive but with more power to investigate areas of the business where there's any concern about performance or where we are seeking alternative views on ideas," he explained. Also on Monday, Felwick takes over from David Sieff as chairman of the British Retail Consortium for two years. "I hope we will be able to build on the work that has been done in the BRC to make it the truly representative voice of British retailing and one that is listened to, and respected by, government." During his time in charge of Waitrose, the business has hit a number of milestones. Its turnover has doubled in the past 10 years ­ passing the £2bn mark in 2000 ­ and it has grown from 90 to 136 branches over the same period. Planned openings this year will take that tally to 141. Steven Esom will take over as MD of Waitrose. His role as director of buying will be filled by former Sainsbury executive Angela Megson. {{NEWS }}

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