JD Sports appoints Peter Agnefjäll as board chair

UK retail group JD Sports Fashion plc (JD Sports) has announced the appointment of Peter Agnefjäll as chair of its board of directors, effective September 1, 2026. The executive appointment follows a search process led by senior independent director Kath Smith alongside the board.

Agnefjäll succeeds Darren Shapland, who has served as interim chair since the annual general meeting on July 21, 2026. Shapland will remain on the board as an independent director.

“On behalf of the Board I am delighted to welcome Peter as Chair,” said Shapland in a press statement. “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”.

Executive leadership background

Agnefjäll brings over 30 years of international commercial and corporate governance experience across major consumer and retail platforms. The executive spent nearly two decades at Sweden-based furniture group IKEA Group, serving as president and chief executive officer from 2013 to 2017. During that period, Agnefjäll oversaw international market expansion, growth, and digital transformation initiatives.

Subsequently, Agnefjäll served as chair of Netherlands-headquartered food retail group Ahold Delhaize from 2021 to 2025, having previously served as vice chair and non-executive director. He currently holds a non-executive directorship at UK advertising group WPP, and previously served on the board of directors at Norwegian consumer goods company Orkla from 2018 to 2026.

Commenting on the appointment, Agnefjäll stated: “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”.

Agnefjäll's previous non-executive positions also include roles at German footwear retailer Deichmann and Hungarian airline Wizz Air.