JD Sports chair Andy Higginson to step down
JD Sports has announced that Andy Higginson is to step down as chair at the conclusion of its AGM in July.
He took up the role in July 2022 and has overseen the transformation of the group’s governance framework, as well as the global expansion of the business.
Subscribe to TRBRegis Schultz, group chief executive of JD Sports, said: “I’m grateful to Andy for his support and counsel through a critical and transformational period for the group.
“His leadership and experience have been crucial in building the capability we have around the board today.”
Higginson will be succeeded on an interim basis by Darren Shapland, who has served as an independent non-executive director since June 2023 and currently chairs the board’s ESG Committee. The search for a permanent replacement is being led by senior independent director Kath Smith.
Smith, said: “On behalf of the board, I would like to express our gratitude to Andy for his extensive contributions to JD over the last four years.
“Andy’s experience has been of great value in setting JD up for the next phase of growth, and he has brought focus to the Group’s strategy, valued by both the Board and management. We wish him the very best for the future.”
Higginson said: “I am proud of my time at JD which has coincided with a tough period in the sportswear market.
“We have focused the business back to sports fashion, bought out minority interests in subsidiaries, and accelerated our expansion outside JD’s UK market, particularly in the US.
“At the same time, we have made significant investments to transform the Group’s governance and control systems, reflecting the scale and global footprint of JD, and in doing so materially strengthened our board.
“As we move into the next phase of our journey, our focus on business discipline and cashflow leaves JD well placed to deliver the value it unquestionably represents.”
