Ikea appoints new Australian chief

Ikea-store-brand-logoIkea Australia has appointed company veteran Jan Gardberg as its new country manager.

Formally the deputy country manager for Ikea in Russia, Gardberg brings 32 years of international Ikea experience to the role – and has plans for expanding the Ikea business in Australia.

While on the executive team at Ikea Russia he was responsible for the businesses sustainability strategy, e-commerce roll-out, distribution integration, food business and the retail operations for the 14 stores across the country.

Prior to this, his career has seen him in leadership positions across the Ikea retail, supply chain and product development businesses.

“I am pleased to join Ikea Australia at this important time in its 42 year history,” said Gardberg

“Over the next few years we plan to significantly increase our presence in Australia through more stores, pick up locations and online shopping.”

Gardner said to enable expansion across the country, the furniture retailer has recently invested in its local distribution network and built a $155 million, 70,000sqm multi-functional distribution centre.

“Leading with quality and affordable home furnishings, our aim is to be the leader in life at home,” he said.

Gardberg takes over from David Hood who announced his retirement earlier this year after 25 years of service.

Ikea said during Hood’s tenure at the helm, Ikea had opened five new stores and last year acquired the Ikea Perth and Ikea Adelaide store franchises.

“This was a major milestone for the business that brought all of Ikea in Australia under a single ownership structure”, the company said in a statement.

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