The Large Format Retail Association late last week elected three new directors to its board, in the hopes of bringing fresh ideas and new blood to its governance.

The association brought onboard Ikea chief executive officer Jan Gardberg, Amart Furniture general manager of property Richard Champion, and Super Retail Group general manager of property and store development Sam Pinchbeck.

Gardberg said it is encouraging to see so many members of the LFRA committing to sustainability already, but hopes to use his expertise at Ikea to help other businesses improve their sustainable practices.

“I embrace the opportunity to share our learnings, provide leadership and to create a much larger impact by working together with other retailers,” Gardberg said.

“Together we can become even stronger in developing sustainable retailing that adds value to the industry, customers and environment we live in.”

LFRA president Zac Fried said the board renewal allows the firm to bring a continually refreshed vision for the retail industry to life, helping to drive an agenda of sustainability, development and excellent customer experiences.

Champion has previously worked at Harvey Norman, Woolworths and Charter Hall, and said he is looking forward to advocate for the associations members.

“Large format retail is in my blood,” Champion said.

Fried said he was very proud of how resilient the retaiol industry had proved to be during the pandemic, and that he was excited to work to promote ideas to the help the industry recover further.