JD Sports has confirmed that chair Andy Higginson will be stepping down from the retailer in the summer.
Higginson joined JD Sports in July 2022 and has overseen the transformation of the retailer’s governance framework, following the resignation of former chair and chief executive Peter Cowgill, and its expansion internationally, most notably in the US.
The retailer’s board has begun the search for Higginson’s replacement led by senior independent director Kath Smith.
JD Sports said Darren Shapland will become interim chair at the retailer’s AGM on July 21, when Higginson will formally step down.
Alongside his role at JD Sports, Higginson has also been chair of the British Retail Consortium, and has chaired the boards of Morrisons, N Brown and Poundland in the past.
In terms of executive roles, Higginson was group chief financial officer of Tesco and Burton Group.
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. 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.”
Group chief executive Régis Schultz 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.”
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