JD Sports Fashion plc ('JD' or 'the Group'), a prominent global omni-channel retailer of outdoor, fashion, and sports brands, announces today that Peter Agnefjäll has been named Chair of the Board, effective from 1 September 2026.
The appointment comes after an extensive search process conducted by Kath Smith, Senior Independent Director, and the Board, aided by an external executive search firm.
Peter will take over from Darren Shapland, who has been Interim Chair since the Annual General Meeting on 21 July 2026. Darren will continue serving on the Board as an Independent Director.
Peter is a globally acknowledged retail executive with vast experience as a Chair and non-executive director. Over nearly twenty years at IKEA Group, he developed his career, advancing to President and CEO from 2013 to 2017, during which he managed a time of notable growth, market development, and digital change.
He later filled the role of Chair at Ahold Delhaize from 2021 to 2025, after acting as Vice Chair and Non-Executive Director. He is presently a Non-Executive Director at WPP and served on the Board of Directors at Orkla from 2018 to 2026. Peter's earlier non-executive positions also involve shoe retailer Deichmann and Wizz Air.
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Peter possesses valuable experience in global consumer and retail sectors, along with extensive knowledge in governance, strategy, international expansion, and consumer-driven transformation.
Darren Shapland, Interim Chair, says, "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.”
“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 capitalize on the significant opportunities ahead,” says Darren.
Peter Agnefjäll, Chair Elect says, "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.”
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“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," adds Peter.
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This announcement is made in accordance with UKLR 6.4.6R. Save as disclosed above, there is no information required to be disclosed pursuant to UKLR 6.4.8R in relation to this appointment.