David Felwick - Chairman

With over 20 years experience in retail retiring Deputy Chairman of the John Lewis Partnership David Felwick is making his mark in product innovation.  Stationed at the sharp end of new product development with an expert eye for consumer goods the successful retailer is chairing UK Product of the Year. Felwick plans to make a difference in, arguably, one of the toughest sectors where millions of pounds are spent and lost each year on new product launches.

A former wing commander in the Royal Air Force Felwick’s career moved into retail in 1985 when, after gaining selling experience in the John Lewis Department Store, he became Managing Director of John Lewis Welwyn.  He transferred to Waitrose in 1987 as Director of Selling and in January 1991 was appointed Managing Director of Waitrose and Director of Trading (Food) for the John Lewis Partnership, a position he held for eleven years.  In March 2002 he became Deputy Chairman of the John Lewis Partnership and, at the same time, took on the role of Chairman of the British Retail Consortium.

David Felwick is a Fellow of the Institute of Grocery Distribution and is a past President of the National Grocers’ Benevolent Fund. In January 2004 he was awarded a CBE (Commander of the British Empire) for services to the Retail Industry.

David plays an important role in bringing the full extent of his retail experience to Product of the Year UK, and ensuring that it stands for championing innovation across the board.

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