Andrew Higginson is to step down as chair of JD Sports Fashion Plc in a shock move.
He joined Britain’s biggest listed sporting goods group in 2022 and transformed its corporate governance.
Together with his chief executive hire Regis Schultz, the firm expanded overseas and sold off non-core brands. It says that 40% of its business is now in North America.
Higginson will leave at the conclusion of the company’s annual general meeting on 21st July 2026.
JD Sports is majority-owned by Pentland, a family group which also manages Berghaus, Lacoste and Speedo.
The board has initiated a process for the appointment of a successor, led by Kath Smith, senior independent director.
Darren Shapland – who has served as an independent NED since June 2023 and currently chairs the board’s ESG committee – will become interim chair following the 2026 AGM until a permanent chair has been appointed.
Higginson was a long-term executive at Tesco and later chaired Wm Morrison during its almost £10 billion private equity sale.
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“I am proud of my time at JD which has coincided with a tough period in the sportswear market,” said Higginson.
“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.”
Schultz 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.”