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JD Sports has announced that chair Andrew Higginson intends to resign from the board following the conclusion of the retailer’s annual general meeting on 21 July.
Higginson, who joined the group in July 2022, oversaw a restructuring of the company governance framework. Under his leadership, the JD brand expanded globally, with North America now accounting for approximately 40% of the business.
According to the board, it has already started the process to appoint a successor, led by senior independent director Kath Smith. In the meantime, Darren Shapland will take over as interim chair until a permanent appointment is made.
Shapland has served as an independent non-executive director since June 2023, and currently leads the board environmental, social, and governance committee.
The group recently bought out minority interests in subsidiaries and increased investment in control systems to manage its international footprint.
Higginson said: “I am proud of my time at JD which has coincided with a tough period in the sportswear market. We have focused the business back to sports fashion, bought out minority interests in subsidiaries, and accelerated our expansion outside JD’s UK market, particularly in the US.
“At the same time, we have made significant investments to transform the group’s governance and control systems, reflecting the scale and global footprint of JD, and in doing so materially strengthened our board.”
He added: “As we move into the next phase of our journey, our focus on business discipline and cashflow leaves JD well placed to deliver the value it unquestionably represents.”
Regis Schultz, group chief executive of JD Sports, said: “I’m grateful to Andy for his support and counsel through a critical and transformational period for the group. His leadership and experience have been crucial in building the capability we have around the board today.”
