JD Sports Fashion Plc is reporting that Helen Ashton, non-executive director of the company’s Board of Directors and chair of the Board’s Audit and Risk Committee, has notified the company of her intention to step down to focus on other commitments.
Helen joined JD as a non-executive director in November 2021 and took on the role of interim chair of the company during a time of CEO and chair succession. In her role as chair of the Audit and Risk Committee, Helen reportedly introduced and oversaw the delivery of an ambitious and wide-ranging governance reform program, including significant improvements and investment in finance, risk management, legal systems and resources.
“Following a successful period of reform and governance improvements at JD, I am pleased to hand over to a new Audit and Risk Committee chair for the next chapter and to focus my attention on my other commitments,” said Ashton. “I wish the team all the best for the future and my thanks go to all who have supported me during my time at JD.”
Current Board Chair Andy Higginson added, “We are very grateful to Helen for her significant contribution over the last few years. As Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee she has led a root and branch review and overhaul of corporate governance and financial controls in the Group. On behalf of the board, I wish her continued success.”
The Board will commence a recruitment process for an additional non-executive director. Ian Dyson will assume the role of chair of the Audit and Risk Committee in the interim.
Image courtesy JD Sports Fashion Plc
