JD Sports Fashion CEO steps down

JD Sports Fashion has announced that its chief executive Barry Bown has stepped down from the board with “immediate effect”

after 30 years with the company.

In a brief statement, JD Sports 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.”

JD Sports have stressed that Bown’s departure is on “amicable” terms and that he will continue to work with the retailer as a consultant.

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.”