JJB promotes Sir David and hires more expertise

STRUGGLING retailer JJB Sports has promoted its non-executive chairman, the newly knighted David Jones, to executive chairman.

Sir David joined JJB’s board in October 2007, and his previous roles include chief executive and chairman of Next, non-executive deputy chairman of supermarket chain Morrisons, and non-executive chairman of Shop Direct.

Meanwhile, the Wigan-based company has brought in yet more retail expertise with the appointment of former Selfridges chief executive Peter Williams as an executive director.

Mr Williams, who is currently a non-executive director of ASOS and Cineworld Group, will report to Sir David with particular responsibility for the strategic development of the group.

In a statement to the stock exchange Sir David said: “We are facing the most difficult retail environment I have ever experienced but I am looking forward to working with both Chris and Peter and the rest of the executive team to re-establish JJB as a major force in the Sportswear market.”

Roger Lane-Smith, the current chairman, will become non-executive deputy chairman and Chris Ronnie will continue as group chief executive.