JD Sports Fashion has announced John Mersho as president and chief executive of the JD fascia in North America, alongside Mike Grimes as chief marketing officer for JD Group.

Mersho founded the retailer Shoe Palace with his family in 1993 and became chief executive at the company in 2024. Since 2025, he has worked as chief commercial officer at JD North America.

He replaces John Hall as chief executive, who is retiring from the retail sector after a decade at JD North America and over 29 years at Nordstrom.

Grimes has worked at JD Sports for over 18 years and currently serves as chief marketing officer for JD Finish Line. He has previously led the retailer’s brand and consumer experience, as well as its omni-channel marketing operations.

Both will start in their new roles effective immediately.

Régis Schultz, group chief executive of JD Sports Fashion plc, said: “These appointments represent an important step in the next phase of JD’s growth. John and Mike are outstanding leaders – both well-tenured within our business, bringing extensive experience and deep knowledge of the markets we operate in.

“Together, they will play a critical role in delivering against our strategy, enhancing the experience of our customers, and driving sustainable growth across JD. I’m delighted to welcome them to their new roles and look forward to working closely with them.”

This is the latest of several major appointments JD Sports has made in 2026, with the brand having named former IKEA chief executive Peter Agnefjäll as its new chair in August.

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