JD Sports appoints former IKEA CEO Peter Agnefjäll as chair
JD Sports has appointed former IKEA Group chief executive Peter Agnefjäll as chair, effective from 1 September.
Agnefjäll has worked with the IKEA twice in his career, most recently for 15 years until 2017, when he rose through the ranks to chief executive and president. He has also previously held a senior role at Golf Store Group.
Subscribe to TRBDuring his time with IKEA, he oversaw a period of significant growth, market expansion and digital transformation.
He also chaired Ahold Delhaize from 2021 to 2025 and sat on the board of Orkla from 2018 to 2026. He is currently a non-executive director of WPP, and has previously held non-executive roles at footwear retailer Deichmann and Wizz Air.
JD Sports said the appointment follows a search process led by senior independent director Kath Smith and the board, with the support of an external executive search firm.
Agnefjäll will succeed Darren Shapland, who has served as JD Sports’ interim chair since its AGM on 21 July and will remain on the board as an independent director.
Shapland said: “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 capitalise on the significant opportunities ahead.”
Agnefjäll said: “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 omnichannel 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.”
In May, JD Sports reported that pre-tax profit before adjusting items declined by 6.4% to £852 million in the year to 31 January 2026. On a statutory basis profit was down 12% to £629 million.
