UK Treasury appoints John Lewis ex-chair to strengthen business ties

The UK Treasury has appointed Sir Charlie Mayfield, former chair of the John Lewis Partnership, to its board to bolster business expertise and improve the government’s relationship with the corporate sector. Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the decision, emphasizing that the move will strengthen the department’s connection with the business community amid a challenging economic environment [1]. Mayfield, along with Edward Twiddy and Jenny Scott, will serve three-year terms starting on 1 September, bringing a combination of private-sector leadership, fintech innovation, and communication experience to the Treasury [1].

Mayfield’s career spans over two decades in the private sector, including his leadership of the John Lewis Partnership through a period of significant transformation. During his tenure, he oversaw modernization efforts, including adapting to online retail competition while maintaining the company’s employee-owned model. He also chaired the UK Commission for Employment and Skills, where he worked on workforce productivity and skills development. His extensive background in both corporate and policy roles makes him a strategic fit for the Treasury’s evolving needs [1].

The appointment follows a period of strained relations between the Treasury and the business community. While Reeves initially garnered praise for her pro-business rhetoric after Labour’s return to power, recent policies—including a £25 billion increase in national insurance contributions—have sparked concern among corporate leaders. The move has been seen by some as a shift toward higher taxation at a time when businesses are still recovering from pandemic-related disruptions and global supply chain issues. Mayfield’s role is expected to include bridging this divide by facilitating dialogue and ensuring that policy decisions reflect business realities [1].

Edward Twiddy, a fintech entrepreneur and former Treasury civil servant, will focus on innovation and enterprise, particularly in financial technology. His experience in founding Atom Bank, a digital bank, aligns with the Treasury’s recent push to accelerate regulatory support for the UK’s fintech sector. Jenny Scott, a former BBC economics correspondent and Bank of England communications director, will advise on improving the clarity of Treasury messaging. Her background in high-stakes communication—including during the 2016 Brexit referendum—positions her to help the department refine its public and market communications strategy [1].

All three appointees will serve part-time roles, working approximately 24 days per year. While the Treasury has not disclosed the financial terms of their appointments, it has emphasized the value of bringing diverse, non-traditional perspectives into the decision-making process. Reeves has described their combined experience as a vital resource that will help the government work more effectively with businesses across key sectors [1].

The appointments reflect a broader shift within the Treasury to incorporate private-sector insights into public policy. As the UK continues to navigate post-Brexit economic adjustments and domestic fiscal challenges, the government is increasingly looking to external experts to inform its approach. Mayfield, Twiddy, and Scott are expected to play a key role in shaping policies that balance economic growth with fiscal responsibility [2].

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[1] title: UK Treasury hires ex-John Lewis chair as it bids to boost ...

url: https://www.ft.com/content/9b34217a-d3e8-4ff7-bf25-decb7ccfd68a

[2] title: World

url: https://www.ft.com/world