JD Sports has appointed Peter Agnefjäll as its permanent Chair of the Board.
He joins the Lancashire retailer after almost 20 years at IKEA Group, where he rose to President and CEO between 2013 and 2017. He’s since been Vice Chair and Non-Executive Director at Ahold Delhaize and remains a Non-Executive Director at WPP.
Agnefjäll has also been a non-exec at Deichmann and Wizz Air.
“JD has built a powerful global position in sports and sport-inspired fashion, with a unique connection to its core customer, strong brand partnerships, carefully curated and vibrant stores, and a clear, defined omni-channel strategy,” said Peter Agnefjäll, Chair Elect.
“I am excited to be joining the Group and look forward to working with the Board and leadership team to leverage JD’s strengths, deepening its roots in international markets and affirming its position in a rapidly evolving retail landscape.”
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He’ll succeed Darren Shapland, who’s held the role on an interim basis since July.
“On behalf of the Board I am delighted to welcome Peter as Chair. He brings an exceptional combination of international retail leadership, Board experience and a proven track record of overseeing growth and transformation in complex global businesses,” said Shapland.
“His experience and perspective will be invaluable to JD’s Board and executive team as the Group continues to execute against its strategic objectives and capitalise on the significant opportunities ahead.”
Agnefjäll is set take up the position on September 1st.
JD said in a statement to the Stock Exchange that the “thorough search process” was led by Senior Independent Director, Kath Smith and the Board, with the support of an external executive search firm.
Shapland will remain on the Board as an Independent Director.
