JD Sports Fashion plc appointed John Mersho, whose family founded Shoe Palace in 1993, as president and CEO of JD North America, effective immediately. Mike Grimes, former chief marketing officer (CMO) of JD North America, becomes CMO for JD Group.

John Mersho (shown right) steps into his new role following the retirement of John Hall after a four-decade career in retail.

Mersho has worked for Shoe Palace for over 20 years, eventually becoming its CEO in 2025 and holding the role of chief commercial officer for JD North America since 2025.  JD Sports acquired Shoe Palace in December 2020.

JD North America last year became JD’s largest region, with sales in 2025 reaching £4.78 billion ($6.45 bn) and accounting for 38 percent of JD’s overall sales. At the close of its fiscal year ended January 31, the North America region had 2,519 stores, including 982 Hibbett locations, 446 JD stores, 418 DTLR stores, 245 Shoe Palace stores, and 174 Finish Line stores. The figure also includes 174 athletic footwear shops operated inside Macy’s. The standalone Finish Line stores are in the process of being converted to JD.

JD said that in his new role, Mersho will focus on strengthening JD’s product proposition, enhancing the customer’s omni-channel experience, and expanding its brand awareness and presence across North America.

Mersho, commented: “The opportunity to lead the North American arm of one of the most dynamic retailers in the world is rare and I’m honored to take on the position. Our teams have worked hard to build strong foundations for growth across the region and I’m looking forward to capitalizing on the opportunities that lie ahead. Our focus remains on delivering JD’s differentiated proposition to customers, partnering with the right brands to do so and expanding our presence in the North American market.”

The appointment comes as JD recently reported same-store sales in the North America region were down 6.8 percent in the second quarter and 4.0 percent in the first half ended August 1. JD attributed the declines to “weaker core consumer sentiment, a slower quarter for high-heat footwear product, and deferred ‘back-to-school’ demand from July into the first half of August.”

As JD Group’s CMO, Mike Grimes (shown left) will “lead the long-term direction of the JD brand globally, ensuring a consistent vision across markets while enabling local teams to connect authentically with customers. He will also help strengthen the Group’s customer proposition by leveraging the scale of our brands, own-brand portfolio, customer insights and global brand partnerships.”

Grimes has worked with JD (and previously Finish Line) North America for nearly twenty years, having most recently held the position of CMO for JD North America. JD said, “His unique skillset, combined with his ability to balance creative vision with commercial outcomes are a strong fit for this important role.”

Grimes said, “JD has built a powerful brand with a clear point of differentiation and strong momentum across several international markets. I’m excited to lead the next phase of its brand and marketing evolution, working closely with our fascias and brand partners around the world to further strengthen our cultural relevance, curate compelling customer experiences and support the Group’s growth plans.”

Régis Schultz, group CEO of JD Sports Fashion plc, said: “These appointments represent an important step in the next phase of JD’s growth. John and Mike are outstanding leaders – both well-tenured within our business, bringing extensive experience and deep knowledge of the markets we operate in. Together, they will play a critical role in delivering against our strategy, enhancing the experience of our customers, and driving sustainable growth across JD. I’m delighted to welcome them to their new roles and look forward to working closely with them.

“As John Hall retires, I’d like to share my sincere thanks for his remarkable contribution to JD. Having begun his career on the shop floor at Nordstrom, John played a key role in the evolution of our North American business, culminating in his appointment as CEO in 2023. On behalf of all at JD, I wish him all the best in his retirement.”

With 4,766 stores across 35 countries, JD’s other banners include Size?, Courir, Sprinter, Sport Zone, Cosmos and Go Outdoors.

Images courtesy JD Sports