Decathlon has named a new chief executive

Decathlon has confirmed the appointment of Javier López as its new chief executive following 25 years at the business in a number of other positions.

López first joined Decathlon in 1999, starting out as a logistics manager and progressing to holding chief executive roles across the German and Spanish businesses.

Most recently he worked as chief global value chain officer, having been appointed into the role in February 2023.

He will take the lead from chief executive Barbara Martin Coppola, who took up the role in March 2022.

Decathlon said López will lead a “new phase of evolution” at the business as it continues to grow and enhance its actions in “promoting access to sport and its universal values wherever it operates”.

López said: “I am particularly honoured by the confidence of Julien and the board of directors as I take up my new position, and I thank Barbara, with whom I have enjoyed working in the executive committee for the past 3 years.

“As a Decathlonian for 26 years, I’m proud of the work we’ve done over the years to bring the benefits of sport to more and more people around the world. Together, with all our teammates, we will, with determination, enthusiasm and humility, accelerate our economic development and our efforts to serve our human and environmental commitments.”

Departing boss Martin Coppol said: “Over the past three years, we have initiated a major evolution of Decathlon, moving from ambition to action. I’d like to thank all our teammates, whose dedication made all of this work possible: we’ve repositioned the Decathlon brand by redefining the customer experience in-store and in e-commerce, which now accounts for 20% of our revenue.

“We have rethought our brand portfolio, signed partnerships with global reach and created new circular economy models. I’m incredibly proud of the progress we’ve made. I have every confidence in Javier to lead an ever-more ambitious company, in the image of Decathlon.”

Decathlon group chair Julien Leclercq added: “I would like to thank Barbara for the impactful work she has carried out over the past 3 years. Today, Decathlon is a sports brand that is increasingly recognised around the world for its products, its commitments and its positive impact.

“As Decathlon embarks on a new phase in its history, I have every confidence in Javier and his natural ability to bring people together to drive our ambition, and identify new levers for sustainable growth while further strengthening our unique human and inclusive culture.”