Regis Schultz to be new JD Sports CEO - report

JD Sports Fashion’s search for a CEO is over and it has chosen a seasoned retail executive with experience in a wide range of categories, both in the UK and abroad, it was claimed on Tuesday.

Sky News said that the firm is “close to finalising the appointment of Regis Schultz as its new chief executive”. City sources told it that an official announcement could happen within days.

It would mean French national Schultz stepping into the role formerly filled by ex-company chief Peter Cowgill. He led JD for many years and oversaw its expansion to become Britain's biggest sportswear retailer by market value and a force on the global retail stage. But he stepped down last month after dissatisfaction over the firm’s corporate governance as he combined both the chairman and CEO roles.

Schultz joins from Dubai retail business Al-Futtaim Group, but also held senior posts at British DIY retailer B&Q, as well as at France’s Monoprix.

The depth of his experience underlines JD’s importance as a global retailer.