Ingka Group, the largest Ikea franchisee, has appointed Erika Intiso as its new chief sustainability officer with effect from 15 November.

She joins the executive leadership team after serving as country retail manager for Ikea in the Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovakia, where she oversaw retail operations and sustainability initiatives across the three markets.

Intis joined the firm in 2010 from packaging firm Tetrapak where she had worked since 1999.

In her new role, Intiso will be responsible for leading Ingka Group's sustainability strategy and further embedding environmental and social considerations into business operations and decision-making, the company said. She will report to Ulrika Biesèrt, group people, sustainability and communication manager.

Intiso succeeds Karen Pflug, who has led the retailer's sustainability strategy since 2021 and will remain with the business until the end of the year to support the transition.

During Pflug's tenure, Ingka Group said, it expanded circular retail initiatives including its Buyback & Resell programme, increased renewable electricity sourcing to match 94.8 per cent of electricity consumption in the 2025 financial year, and reduced absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 70.6 per cent compared with 2016 levels.

The retailer has also increased the use of zero-tailpipe-emission vehicles for home deliveries, introduced measures to reduce food waste and improve energy efficiency, and supported more than 4,300 refugees through its Skills for Employment programme since 2019.

“Sustainability is integrated into how we operate and develop our business. Erika brings extensive experience from across Ikea and a proven track record of advancing sustainability while delivering business results,” said Biesèrt.

"As we take the next leap in integrating sustainability across our business, her leadership will be instrumental in driving further action. I am excited to welcome Erika into this role and look forward to continuing to demonstrate our belief that it is good business to be a good business.”

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