Decathlon appoints new leadership team for UK and Ireland
Part of the global Decathlon Group, which reported €16.2bn (£14bn) turnover in 2024 and operates 1,815 stores worldwide, Decathlon UK and Ireland runs 45 stores alongside logistics and support operations
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Decathlon has appointed Elena Pecos as chief executive and Romain Gravigny as chief operating officer for its combined UK and Ireland business.
Pecos takes over from Eric Mazillier as the two territories formally merge under one leadership team. She previously led Decathlon Ireland as chief executive, a role she took on in 2023.
Since joining the company in Spain in 2006, Pecos has held positions in store management and finance in Spain and France, as well as chief financial officer roles in Chile and within Decathlon’s circular economy unit.
Gravigny has worked at the company for more than 20 years, including senior roles in store networks and operations. He was most recently chief executive of Decathlon Australia.
The leadership changes come after a year of investment and restructuring across both markets. In 2024, Decathlon UK modernised 15 flagship stores, launched a new e-commerce platform and introduced warehouse automation, contributing to a 15% increase in turnover across all sales channels in the first half of 2025. In Ireland, turnover grew 20% in the same period following the upgrade of a flagship store.
The company said employee engagement scores also rose, reaching 92% in the UK and 86% in Ireland. It reported more than 110,000 circular services delivered in the UK, while activity in Ireland rose 85% year on year. Partnerships were also formed with sports groups Padel LK in Limerick and Na Fianna CLG in Dublin.
Pecos said: “It’s an incredibly exciting moment for Decathlon in the UK and Ireland to come together, and it’s an honour to be leading the way. Together with Romain and our teams, we will build upon the great work Eric has delivered to produce a promising 2025.”
Gravigny added: “With strong foundations already in place and ambitious growth plans ahead, it’s a privilege to take on the role of COO at Decathlon UK. Having been a part of the business for over 20 years, I understand the importance of keeping customers at the heart of everything we do.”
Part of the global Decathlon Group, which reported €16.2bn (£14bn) turnover in 2024 and operates 1,815 stores worldwide, Decathlon UK and Ireland runs 45 stores alongside logistics and support operations. It forecasts turnover of €460m (£398m) across the two markets in 2025.
