JD Sports CFO announces departure, as search for replacement begins

Neil Greenhalgh, chief financial officer for Bury-based sports and athleisure retailer JD Sports, has told the board that he intends to leave the role next year.

The company’s nominations committee, led by Andy Higginson, will now begin the process to recruit a successor.

JD Sports also announced that Mr Greenhalgh will help in this process to ensure an orderly succession, and to work with the board, and KPMG, in the audit and publication in spring next year of the group’s financial statements for the annual period to January 28, 2023.

His imminent departure is the latest change in the boardroom following the sudden departure of former executive chairman, Peter Cowgill, in May this year.

Following this former Tesco and Morrisons boss Andy Higginson was appointed as chairman and former B&Q boss Régis Schultz as chief executive.

The group announced a severance deal with Mr Cowgill last month worth up to £5.5m.

Andy Higginson said: “Neil joined JD in 2004 and has been CFO since November 2018. He has been a key part of the team that has delivered tremendous growth in the business.

“The board would like to thank him for his constructive approach which allows us to search, recruit and induct the best replacement to support the growth plans of the business in a measured way whilst retaining all his experience and knowledge. In the meantime, it’s business as usual whilst the search is under way.”

Neil Greenhalgh said: “The decision to step back from JD during 2023 is one that I have been considering for some time.

“I fully intend to help Andy and Régis settle into their roles and, by giving the board advanced notice, enable a smooth transition to a new CFO.”