JD Sports NED Helen Ashton steps down

JD Sports has announced that non-executive director and chair of the audit and risk committee Helen Ashton will step down to focus on other commitments.

Ashton joined the group as a non-executive director in November 2021 and took on the role of interim chair of the group during a time of CEO and chair succession.

In her role as chair of the audit and risk committee, she introduced and oversaw the delivery of an ambitious and wide-ranging governance reform programme, including significant improvements and investment in finance, risk management, legal systems and resources.

The board will commence a recruitment process for an additional non-executive director. Ian Dyson will assume the role of chair of the audit and risk committee in the interim.

Ashton said: “Following a successful period of reform and governance improvements at JD, I am pleased to hand over to a new Audit and Risk Committee chair for the next chapter and to focus my attention on my other commitments. I wish the team all the best for the future and my thanks go to all who have supported me during my time at JD.”

Andy Higginson, chair, said: “We are very grateful to Helen for her significant contribution over the last few years. As chair of the Audit and Risk Committee she has led a root and branch review and overhaul of corporate governance and financial controls in the group. On behalf of the board, I wish her continued success.”