JD Sports appoints former IKEA CEO as Chair

JD Sports Fashion has appointed Peter Agnefjäll as Chair, effective from 1 September 2026.

He succeeds Darren Shapland, who has served as Interim Chair since the company's Annual General Meeting on 21 July 2026. Shapland will remain on the Board as an Independent Director.

Agnefjäll brings experience across global consumer and retail businesses, with expertise in corporate governance, strategy, international expansion and consumer-focused transformation.

He spent almost two decades at IKEA Group, becoming President and Chief Executive from 2013 to 2017, where he oversaw a period of growth, international expansion and digital transformation.

Following his time at IKEA, Agnefjäll served as Chair of Dutch-Belgian company Ahold Delhaize from 2021 to 2025, having previously held the roles of Vice Chair and Non-Executive Director.

He is currently a Non-Executive Director at WPP and served on the Board of Directors at Orkla between 2018 and 2026. His previous non-executive roles have also included Deichmann and Wizz Air.

Shapland said: "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."

"His experience and perspective will be invaluable to JD’s board and executive team as it continues to execute against its strategic objectives and capitalise on the significant opportunities ahead."

Agnefjäll added: "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.

"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."

The appointment follows several recent developments for the retailer.

JD Sports recently reopened its relocated and expanded store at Meadowhall Shopping Centre in Sheffield. The new 29,225 sq ft store, located on the Lower High Street next to Miniso, combines five retail units and is around three times larger than the retailer's previous Meadowhall location.

The company has also launched the second tranche of its £200 million share buyback programme. Under the latest phase, JD will return a further £100 million to shareholders, following the completion of the first £100 million tranche announced in February 2026.

The second buyback programme is expected to be completed by the end of the company's financial year on 31 January 2027.