JD Sports Fashion Plc announced that as a consequence of an ongoing review of its internal governance and controls it has decided to accelerate the separation of the roles of Chair and Chief Executive Officer. As a result Kath Smith, currently NED and Senior Independent Director, will become interim CEO. Kath has considerable sports and outdoor industry experience having worked forover 25 years in the sector as Managing Director of the adidas and Reebok brands and her previous position prior to joining the Board was GM and Vice President of The North Face EMEA.

Kath will work closely with the senior leadership team to continue to deliver on the Group's proven and successful strategy. The process to recruit a Chief Executive Officer remains ongoing.