Decathlon appoints new chief executive

Decathlon has appointed Javier López as its new chief executive, succeeding Barbara Martin Coppola. 

With 26 years at Decathlon, Javier has held key roles in digital, logistics and retail, including chief executive of Decathlon Spain from 2015 to 2022.

Under his leadership, Decathlon aims to strengthen its competitiveness and accelerate growth while promoting universal access to sports.

Javier said: “I am particularly honoured by the confidence of Julien and the board of directors as I take up my new position, and I thank Barbara, with whom I have enjoyed working in the executive committee for the past three years. 

“As a Decathlonian for 26 years, I'm proud of the work we've done over the years to bring the benefits of sport to more and more people around the world. 

“Together, with all our teammates, we will, with determination, enthusiasm and humility, accelerate our economic development and our efforts to serve our human and environmental commitments.”

Barbara added: “Over the past three years, we have initiated a major evolution of Decathlon, moving from ambition to action. 

“I’d like to thank all our teammates, whose dedication made all of this work possible: we've repositioned the Decathlon brand by redefining the customer experience in-store and in e-commerce, which now accounts for 20 per cent of our revenue.

“We have rethought our brand portfolio, signed partnerships with global reach and created new circular economy models. 

“I'm incredibly proud of the progress we've made. 

“I have every confidence in Javier to lead an ever more ambitious company, in the image of Decathlon.”

Julien Leclercq, chairman of the Decathlon Group, added: “I would like to thank Barbara for the impactful work she has carried out over the past 3 years. 

“Today, Decathlon is a sports brand that is increasingly recognised around the world for its products, its commitments and its positive impact. 

“As Decathlon embarks on a new phase in its history, I have every confidence in Javier and his natural ability to bring people together to drive our ambition, and identify new levers for sustainable growth while further strengthening our unique human and inclusive culture.”

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