JD Sports names Andy Higginson as chair

Sports and fashion retailer JD Sports tapped Andy Higginson to take over as chairman of the group following an extensive search process.

JD Sports said on Friday that Higginson, the former chair of William Morrison Supermarkets, will take up the role on 11 July.

Interim chair Helen Ashton said: "The board was impressed with the high-quality candidates that we met throughout the recruitment process. Andy, however, stood out as the best candidate with his extensive board experience including as a chair, and his strong track record in the international retail sector.

"It is a testament to the quality and attractiveness of JD that we have recruited Andy to the important role of chair. JD is a great business with a clear strategy, occupying a unique place in the market and we look forward to working with him on our global development opportunities."

Reporting by Iain Gilbert at Sharecast.com