LONDON, April 22 (Reuters) - British sportswear retailer JD Sports Fashion said on Wednesday its chairman Andrew Higginson will step down from the role in July. Higginson has chaired the group since
JD Sports Announces Chairman Andrew Higginson to Step Down in July 2024
Leadership Transition and Company Performance at JD Sports
Andrew Higginson’s Tenure and Departure
LONDON, April 22 (Reuters) - British sportswear retailer JD Sports Fashion said on Wednesday its chairman Andrew Higginson will step down from the role in July.
Higginson has chaired the group since 2022. He will leave after its annual shareholders meeting on July 21.
Higginson’s Impact on JD Sports
Higginson, a retail veteran who was a long serving executive at Tesco before chairing Morrisons, oversaw the global expansion of JD Sports with about 40% of its business now in the United States. He also transformed its governance framework.
Market Reaction and Analyst Commentary
Analysts said his imminent departure was a surprise.
Succession Plans and Interim Leadership
JD Sports said its board has started the process to find a successor.
It said independent non-executive director Darren Shapland will become interim chair following the July AGM until a permanent chair is appointed.
Recent Company Performance
In January, JD Sports reported a fall in underlying sales over the key Christmas trading period. Its shares are down 9.5% so far this year, giving it a market capitalisation of 3.7 billion pounds ($5.0 billion).
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(Reporting by James Davey; Editing by Muvija M and Louise Heavens)
