JD Sports promoted Michael Armstrong, formerly group buying director, to the newly created role of global managing director.
Armstrong will oversee the strategic direction of the JD brand, its operations and its employees, alongside continued business development and growth of the JD banner globally.
Armstrong first joined JD Sports in 1995 as a store sales assistant in Glasgow and has held numerous senior roles. He was group buying director from 2014 until 2023, responsible for product strategy across JD, Size and fashion brands connected to the JD Group.
In February, JD set out its growth strategy calling for double-digit revenue growth, double-digit market share in key regions and double-digit operating margins over the next five years to include expansion of the JD brand internationally, notably in North America and Europe. The company targets between 250 to 350 new JD stores each year.
The growth plan also focuses on the continued growth of the JD apparel business, which Armstrong has been building over the past decade.
JD Sports CEO Régis Schultz said: “Michael has been pivotal in the Group’s success to date and brings unrivaled knowledge and understanding of our consumer to our management team. With a keen eye for strategic opportunities and ever-changing customer trends in sports athleisure, he is respected by colleagues and brand partners as one of the leading market authorities on what works and why, making him the right person to take the JD brand through its next chapter of growth.”
Photo courtesy JD Sports
