LONDON: JD Sports Fashion plc, a leading global omni-channel retailer of sports, fashion and outdoor brands, today announced that Peter Agnefjäll has been appointed as Chair of the Board, effective from 1st September 2026.
The appointment follows a thorough search process led by Kath Smith, Senior Independent Director, and the Board with the support of an external executive search firm. Peter will succeed Darren Shapland, who has served as Interim Chair since the 2026 Annual General Meeting on 21 July 2026. Darren will remain on the Board as an Independent Director.
Peter is an internationally recognised retail leader with extensive experience as a Chair and non-executive director. He built his career over almost two decades at IKEA Group, rising to President and CEO between 2013 and 2017, overseeing a period of significant growth, market expansion and digital transformation.
He subsequently served as Chair of Ahold Delhaize from 2021 to 2025, having previously been Vice Chair and Non-Executive Director. He is currently Non-Executive Director of WPP and was a Member of the Board of Directors at Orkla from 2018 to 2026. Peter’s previous non-executive roles also include footwear retailer Deichmann and Wizz Air.
Peter brings highly relevant experience across global consumer and retail businesses and deep expertise in governance, strategy, international growth and consumer-led transformation.
Darren Shapland, Interim Chair, commented on the appointment: “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.”
Peter Agnefjäll, Chair Elect, 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 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.”
Founded in 1981, JD Group is a leading global omni-channel retailer of sports, fashion and outdoor brands. With 4,811 stores across 36 countries, our fascias – including JD, Size?, Courir, DTLR, Shoe Palace, Hibbett, Sprinter, Sport Zone, Cosmos and Go Outdoors – deliver multi-brand and multi-category propositions that blend agility with trend-driven curation. JD Group also operates 102 JD Gyms sites in the UK, and 75 franchised stores in a further 15 countries.
Peter Agnefjäll biography
Peter Agnefjäll is one of Europe’s most accomplished retail leaders, with more than 30 years of international experience across consumer, retail and listed businesses. He served as President and CEO of IKEA Group from 2013 to 2017, leading the company through a period of significant growth, digital transformation and international expansion. During his tenure, IKEA significantly increased revenues to €36 billion, expanded into several new markets, accelerated its e-commerce and omni-channel capabilities, and grew its global workforce.
Since leaving IKEA, Peter has built extensive board experience, including serving as Chair of Ahold Delhaize, one of the world’s largest food retail groups, where he oversaw the development of the company’s long-term strategy, digital growth and omnichannel transformation. He has also served as a non-executive director at Orkla, Deichmann and Wizz Air, and currently serves on the board of WPP, bringing significant experience of governance, shareholder engagement, international expansion and consumer-facing businesses.
Peter brings deep expertise in retail, consumer trends, digital transformation and international operations, having lived and worked across Europe and led businesses with substantial operations in North America, Europe and Asia. He has a significant track record of guiding complex global organisations through change and growth, driven by a collaborative approach and strategic perspective.
