JJB appoints DSG’s Keith Jones as new chief

JJB Sports has appointed DSG International’s group retail director Keith Jones as its new chief executive.

Mr Jones, 45, has been at DSG – the owner of Dixons and Currys – for the past 10 years. He replaces Chris Ronnie who was dismissed earlier this year.

JJB said Mr Jones was selected for his, “depth of knowledge and understanding at all levels of the retail industry”.

He will oversee the group’s recovery after a turbulent year that has seen it successfully negotiate a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) and a £100m fundraising.

JJB chairman Sir David Jones said: “I am delighted to welcome someone of Keith’s calibre as chief executive. JJB has been through a lot in the past year but we have now reached a stage where we have the funding, the strategy and the team to plan for the future. I am looking forward to working closely with him to ensure the group’s commercial and financial success.”

Mr Jones said: “I am pleased to be joining JJB at such an exciting time in its development. Now that the group has resolved its financial issues it has a real opportunity to assume leadership in the sports retail sector. I am looking forward to working with Sir David and the experienced management team to transform their ambitious plans into a reality.”

Mr Jones is expected to join the company at some point before March 1. Before joining DSG he held roles at other retail groups, including Virgin and B&Q. He has an MBA from Manchester Business School.