REG - JD Sports Fashion - Directorate change

JD Sports FashionAnnouncement

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RNS Number : 3814B  JD Sports Fashion PLC  22 April 2026

22 April 2026

 

 

JD Sports Fashion Plc

Directorate Change

 

JD Sports Fashion plc ('JD', 'Company' or 'Group'), a leading global
omni-channel retailer of sports, fashion and outdoor brands, today announces
that Andrew Higginson has informed the Board of his intention to step down as
Chair at the conclusion of the Company's AGM on 21 July 2026.

 

Andrew joined the business as Chair in July 2022 and has overseen the
transformation of the Group's governance framework, alongside the global
expansion of the JD brand and wider JD Group, notably with c.40% of the
business now in North America.

 

The Board has initiated a process for the appointment of a successor, led by
Kath Smith, Senior Independent Director. Darren Shapland will become Interim
Chair following the 2026 AGM until a permanent Chair has been appointed.
Darren has served as an Independent Non-Executive Director of the Group since
June 2023 and currently chairs the Board's ESG Committee.

 

Andrew Higginson, Chair, said: "I am proud of my time at JD which has
coincided with a tough period in the sportswear market. We have focused the
business back to sports fashion, bought out minority interests in
subsidiaries, and accelerated our expansion outside JD's UK market,
particularly in the US. At the same time, we have made significant investments
to transform the Group's governance and control systems, reflecting the scale
and global footprint of JD, and in doing so materially strengthened our Board.
As we move into the next phase of our journey, our focus on business
discipline and cashflow leaves JD well placed to deliver the value it
unquestionably represents."

 

Kath Smith, Senior Independent Director, said: "On behalf of the Board, I
would like to express our gratitude to Andy for his extensive contributions to
JD over the last four years. Andy's experience has been of great value in
setting JD up for the next phase of growth, and he has brought focus to the
Group's strategy, valued by both the Board and management. We wish him the
very best for the future."

 

Regis Schultz, Group CEO, said: "I'm grateful to Andy for his support and
counsel through a critical and transformational period for the Group. His
leadership and experience have been crucial in building the capability we have
around the Board today."

 

This announcement is made in accordance with UKLR 6.4.6R.

 

 

 

Enquiries:

 

 JD Sports Fashion plc                                   Tel: 0161 767 1000
 Régis Schultz, Chief Executive Officer
 Dominic Platt, Chief Financial Officer
 Theresa Casey, General Counsel & Company Secretary
 Maj Nazir, Director of Investor Relations

 FGS Global
 Rollo Head, James Thompson                              Tel: 0207 251 3801

 

LEI: 213800HROV6Y9MUU8375

 

 

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