JD Sports Fashion Plc (LON:JD), the leading retailer of sports, fashion and outdoor brands, has announced that Andy Higginson has been appointed as Chair of the Group effective on 11th July 2022. The appointment follows an extensive search process undertaken by the Board with the support of an external executive search firm.
Andy is a highly experienced and proven retailer and Chair with over 28 years of continuous non-executive director experience on PLC boards, including senior leadership roles over nearly 15 years at Tesco. Most recently, he was Chair of William Morrison Supermarkets plc from January 2015 until the takeover of the business by private equity firm CD&R LLP in November 2021. During this time he oversaw a major turnaround of the business and significant value realisation for shareholders. He is also currently Senior Independent Director at Flutter plc.
Andy Higginson, Chair elect, added:
“Having closely followed JD’s success over the years, I see it as an exceptional business, with a strong strategic position. The Board has clearly been addressing its governance and risk management structure and I very much look forward to working with the Board and the senior management team, including our new CEO once appointed, to bring my experience to bear and capitalise on the strength of the brands, market positions and channels to market including the global retail store network.”
Commenting on the appointment, Helen Ashton, JD Sports Fashion interim Chair, said:
“The Board was impressed with the high-quality candidates that we met throughout the recruitment process. Andy, however, stood out as the best candidate with his extensive Board experience including as a Chair and his strong track record in the international retail sector. It is a testament to the quality and attractiveness of JD that we have recruited Andy to the important role of Chair. JD is a great business with a clear strategy, occupying a unique place in the market and we look forward to working with him on our global development opportunities.”
