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JD Sports chair quit after failing to convince board to oust CEO, FT reports 

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on April 24, 2026

1 min read

· Last updated: April 24, 2026

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April 23 (Reuters) - JD Sports  chair Andy Higginson has quit after pushing for chief executive Regis Schultz to be ousted and failing to win unanimous backing for the move from the retailer’s board,

JD Sports Chair Andy Higginson Resigns After Unsuccessful CEO Ouster Attempt

Leadership Changes at JD Sports

Background of the Resignation

April 23 (Reuters) - JD Sports  chair Andy Higginson has quit after pushing for chief executive Regis Schultz to be ousted and failing to win unanimous backing for the move from the retailer’s board, the Financial Times reported on Friday, citing four people familiar with the matter.

Details of the Boardroom Dispute

Higginson made representations to members of the board that Schultz should be replaced as JD chief after a three-and-a-half-year tenure, the report said. 

Reporting and Editorial Credits

(Reporting by Akanksha Khushi in Bengaluru; Editing by Nivedita Bhattacharjee)

Key Takeaways

  • Andy Higginson, appointed chair in July 2022, will step down at the 21 July 2026 AGM after pushing unsuccessfully to remove CEO Régis Schultz (s204.q4cdn.com)
  • Higginson’s departure follows his efforts to strengthen governance, expand JD’s U.S. presence, and refocus the business on sports fashion during his tenure (theindustry.fashion)
  • Darren Shapland will act as interim chair post‑AGM while the board, led by Kath Smith, begins the search for a successor (theindustry.fashion)

References

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did JD Sports Chair Andy Higginson resign?
Andy Higginson resigned after failing to convince the JD Sports board to oust CEO Regis Schultz.
Who is the CEO of JD Sports?
The CEO of JD Sports is Regis Schultz.
How long had Regis Schultz served as JD Sports CEO?
Regis Schultz had served as JD Sports CEO for three and a half years.
Which publication reported on the JD Sports board split?
The Financial Times reported on the JD Sports board split and resignation.

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