JD Sports has appointed Michael Armstrong to the newly created role of global managing director as it seeks to drive growth ahead of significant expansion plans internationally, especially in the North American and European markets. 

Armstrong will work under group chief executive Régis Schultz to oversee the “strategic direction of the JD brand, its operations and colleagues, alongside the continued business development and growth of the JD fascia globally”, said the retailer.

Armstrong joined the sportswear retailer in 1995 as a store sales assistant in the Glasgow store. By 2014 he was group buying director and handled all product strategy across JD, Size and fashion brands connected to the JD Group before being promoted to his current role.  

Schultz said: “Michael has been pivotal in the group’s success to date, and brings unrivalled knowledge and understanding of our consumers to our management team.

“With a keen eye for strategic opportunities and ever-changing customer trends in sports athleisure, he is respected by colleagues and brand partners as one of the leading market authorities on what works and why, making him the right person to take the JD brand through its next chapter of growth.”