29 March 2024, 00:31
By Furniture News May 03, 2019

Ikea appoints new UK and Ireland country retail manager

Ikea has appointed Peter Jelkeby as country retail manager to lead the UK and Ireland business. 

Peter returns to Ikea from Swedish retailer Clas Ohlson where he worked for the past nine years, most recently as acting CEO. He takes over the role from Javier Quiñones, who is joining Ikea USA as country retail manager.

Peter says: “I’m delighted to return to Ikea UK and Ireland at such a significant point in our history, as we evolve and renew our business to ensure Ikea's continued success. Building on many years of solid growth, we are responding to the changing needs of our customers to secure an Ikea that is affordable, reaches more people, delivers excellent customer experience and is truly people- and planet-positive.

“And while Ikea continues to evolve, our vision, to create a better everyday life for everyone across the UK and Ireland, continues to be at the heart of everything we do. Our co-workers, our stores, our product range and home furnishing expertise are fundamental to our continued growth in the market.”

Swedish-born Peter returns to Ikea having enjoyed an extensive career of over 20 years with the company in Sweden, Russia, Vietnam and the UK and Ireland. He began as a part-time co-worker in his local store before joining Ikea Trading AG, and went on to secure further experience across the business in a number of positions including store manager at Ikea Lakeside, sales and communications manager and deputy retail manager at Ikea UK and Ireland.

In recent years, Peter worked at Swedish retailer Clas Ohlson, where he held the roles of executive vice president/COO, director of operations and, most recently, acting CEO.

Ikea continues to invest in enhanced service offers, digitalisation and a focus on city centres starting with London. In February, Ikea UK and Ireland’s most sustainable store opened in Greenwich and a month later, in response to the growth of urban living and changes in the way people live and shop, London’s second city centre Ikea Planning Studio opened in Bromley.

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