JD Sports Fashion plc (JD, the Group), the parent of Hibbett, JD, Finish Line, DTLR and Shoe Palace in the U.S. and JD and multiple other sports, outdoor and footwear banners across Europe and Asia Pacific, is reporting that Peter Agnefjäll has been appointed as Chair of the Board, effective from September 1, 2026.

The company said the appointment follows a thorough search process led by Senior Independent Director Kath Smith and the Board with the support of an external executive search firm. Agnefjäll will succeed Darren Shapland, who has served as interim chair since the 2026 Annual General Meeting on July 21. Darren will remain on the Board as an independent director.

“On behalf of the Board I am delighted to welcome Peter as Chair,” offered Shapland. “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.”

Agnefjäll is reportedly an internationally recognized retail leader with extensive experience as a board chair and non-executive director. JD said 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.

Agnefjäll is currently non-executive director of WPP and was a member of the Board of Directors at Orkla from 2018 to 2026. His previous non-executive roles also include footwear retailer Deichmann and Wizz Air.

“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,” said Agnefjäll. “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.”