John Lewis boss likely to be next sheriff of Norwich
Richard Marks. Photo: Bill Smith - Credit: Bill Smith - Archant
The head of branch for John Lewis in Norwich has been officially nominated as the next sheriff of Norwich.
Richard Marks, who started working for John Lewis 35 years ago as a graduate trainee in Oxford Street, moved to Norwich in 1992 as the general manager of Bonds, and oversaw its change of name to John Lewis in 2001.
Since then, he has acted as head of branch at stores in Peterborough, Kingston and Leicester, before returning to Norwich in 2014.
He said: 'It was a huge surprise and a great honour to be asked to be sheriff. I am very excited about the year ahead, in particular meeting lots of new people and organisations and the prospect of celebrating all the wonderful things about this great city.
'I can't wait to get started.'
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He and his wife Maeve have four children who grew up in the city and went to Notre Dame High School, and his pastimes include walking in the Norfolk countryside, Parkrun, and occasionally watching Norwich City play.
He was officially nominated at last night's city council meeting, which also saw Marion Maxwell put forward as the next lord mayor of Norwich.
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The Labour councillor, who represents Crome ward, said: 'I'm really pleased to have been given this honour.
'I almost can't believe this has happened. All my life I have felt ordinary and, right now, I'm feeling extraordinary.
'I felt so proud to have been elected as a councillor and now, to be nominated as lord mayor, is almost beyond words.'
She was born in Manchester, and came to Norwich in 1985, to take up a senior post at Her Majesty's Stationery Office.
At last night's meeting, four Green councillors abstained on the vote on the nominations, citing concerns about the process used to decide nominations, rather than about the nominees themselves.
The two nominees are expected to be officially elected at the annual mayor-making ceremony in City Hall on May 24.
Do you have a public affairs story? Email dan.grimmer@archant.co.uk
