by business editor Trevor Sturgess

One of Kent’s most successful department stores has its first female boss.

Karen Lord has taken over from Simon Russell as managing director of John Lewis Bluewater. She becomes its fourth store chief – and the first woman - in the 11 years since it opened in March 1999.

Ms Lord is switching from her job as managing director at John Lewis Solihull. She started her Partnership career at the Reading store in 1993 after graduating in French and Management Studies.

Since then she has worked in Kingston, Peterborough, Robert Sayle (Cambridge), High Wycombe and Brent Cross where she was general manager for 18 months. She has spent three years running the Solihull business.

Ms Lord said it was an exciting opportunity to be part of John Lewis Bluewater and to work in the largest and "most innovative" retail development in Europe.

She said: "Not only is it the third largest store in the John Lewis Partnership, but it has recently undergone a major refurbishment to accommodate the only Foodhall outside London, and incorporate new layouts in several departments."

Mr Russell was involved in the early days of the Bluewater store as merchandise manager, returning in 2005 as managing director. He masterminded the creation of a store’s new food hall which opened last August.

He has moved to the John Lewis headquarters in London to head up the chain’s multi-channel arrangements. But he will continue to play a role in Kent business life, including chairing the Common Purpose Advisory Group.

The Bluewater store, one of 29 John Lewis stores across the UK, has a reputation for developing high-fliers. Andy Street, its first boss, did so well that he is now the retailer’s overall managing director.