Long-serving JD boss Bown stands down

JD SPORTS Fashion’s long serving chief executive Barry Bown, is stepping down with immediate effect.

The Bury-based company praised Mr Bown’s contribution to its growth over the last 30 years, but said there are no “immediate” plans top replace him.

After joining the business in 1984 Mr Bown was head of retail, head of buying and merchandising, then chief operating officer, before being promoted to CEO in 2000.

JD said: “With the leadership role of executive chairman having been in place since 2004, and the considerable development and strengthening of the company’s senior leadership team over the past decade, there will be no immediate replacement of the role of chief executive officer.  

Executive chairman Peter Cowgill, said: “The board would like to thank Barry for his valued and considerable contribution to the growth and progress of the business.  We look forward to his continued support as a consultant to the company.”