JD Sports Fashion plc has announced that its senior independent director Kat Smith is leaving the firm after seven years.

Smith has been in her current position since 2022. She joined JD Sports in May 2019 and in her time at the firm has held the roles of non-executive director and overseen its audit & risk, ominations and ESG committees.

Between May and October 2022, Smith was interim chief executive at JD Sports, in the gap between the departure of executive chairman Peter Cowgill and the appointment of its current chief executive, Régis Schultz.

Smith also oversaw the appointment of Peter Agnefjäll as JD Sports’ new chair in August.

In a statement, JD Sports said Smith would remain in post until 19 January 2027.

Peter Agnefjäll, chair at JD Sports, said: “I would personally like to thank Kath for her guidance and support during my induction as Chair.

“Also, on behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Kath for her service, commitment and significant contribution to the business since joining the Board in 2019. We wish her all the best in her future endeavours.”

In September, JD Sports announced a string of new leadership appointments.

The company named John Mersho, founder and former chief executive of the footwear retailer Shoe Palace, as president and chief executive of the JD fascia in North America.

Alongside him, JD Sports announced Mike Grimes as its new chief marketing officer for JD Group. At the time of the announcement, Grimes was chief marketing officer for JD Finish Line and has worked at JD Sports for 18 years.

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