JD Sports appoints former IKEA CEO as chair
JD Sports Fashion has appointed Peter Agnefjäll as chair of the board, effective from September.
He will succeed Darren Shapland, who has served as interim chair since the sports fashion retailer’s 2026 annual general meeting in July. Shapland will remain on the board as an independent director.
Agnefjäll is an internationally recognised retail leader with experience as a chair and non-executive director. He built his career over nearly two decades at IKEA Group, where he was president and CEO between 2013 and 2017.
He subsequently served as chair of Ahold Delhaize from 2021 to 2025, having previously been vice chair and non-executive director. He is currently a 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 positions at footwear retailer Deichmann and Wizz Air.
Darren Shapland, interim chair at JD Sports Fashion, 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.”
Peter Agnefjäll, chair elect, 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.”