He may keep a low profile, but Peter Cowgill’s financial nous has taken JD Sports Fashion to new heights, says Lisa Berwin.

JD Sports Fashion executive chairman Peter Cowgill has quite a few reasons to be celebrating.

Unlike many clothing or sports retailers, his fashion-led business has produced sparkling results as it continues to tap into the as yet undiminishing young-fashion world.

And now he is considering a move into Europe (Retail Week, last week) either by making an acquisition – French chain Chausport is understood to be on his radar – or by launching his own stores there.

With Cowgill’s much loved football team Manchester United winning the Premiership title last week, the fashion boss has plenty to be excited about.

Cowgill, a straight talking Lancashire-born accountant, is sometimes overshadowed in the sector by the big personalities and even bigger feuds of rivals such as JJB Sports founder Dave Whelan and Sports Direct’s Mike Ashley.

However, the performance he has driven at JD since becoming executive chairman in 2004 speaks volumes. Group profit before tax soared 24 per cent to £53.6m in the most recent year to January 31.

Cowgill has a reputation for being extremely blunt, with a brisk Northern manner and, along with other sportswear leaders, he is not afraid to speak his mind. One industry watcher says: “I don’t think you can accuse him of being quiet. He is more cerebral than other characters in the industry. He is very canny.”

Singer Capital Markets retail analyst Matthew McEachran says: “He is very determined and pays massive attention to detail, particularly on the financial side.” He adds that Cowgill’s ability to focus has made him successful in retail despite not coming from a traditional retail background.

Cowgill’s financial prowess comes from his training as an accountant and, along with his JD role, he is also a senior partner of Bolton accountancy firm Cowgill Holloway. 

Cowgill was originally financial director of JD and was at the group when it floated in 1996. He left in 2001 but was then brought back in by JD’s founders, John Wardle and David Makin, in 2004.

“The business has been performing well since his return,” says McEachran. He believes that Cowgill and chief executive Barry Bown make a very strong team, with Cowgill’s financial nous and Bown’s brand knowledge making JD one of the most successful branded goods retailers.

Although Cowgill makes fewer headlines in the turbulent sports market than JJB’s survival battles or Ashley’s Machiavellian stakebuilding and reputed bid interest in various rivals, JD has been linked several times to potential bids for parts or all of JJB since the latter’s problems late last year.

The retailer has never openly confirmed real interest in JJB, but industry sources believe that JD would be happy to pick over the bones of JJB if its turnaround plan was not to succeed.

But JD interest in JJB, in whatever form, could well trigger a price war in the sector. Ashley would be unlikely to let JD take JJB without a fight and a regulatory investigation might well be necessary.

But if it is a fight Ashley wants, the financially astute and forthright Cowgill could prove a formidable opponent.

Sporting life

Age 56

Family married, with two children

Lives Lancashire

Interests Manchester United fan

Business interests Partner at chartered accountancy firm Cowgill Holloway; holds non-executive roles at a number of private companies including non-executive chairman of United Carpets and Air Music & Media Group