// JD Sports blocks Boohoo boardroom appointment

// Non-executive director Kath Smith was due to join Boohoo on May 1

JD Sports has reportedly withdrawn consent of its non-executive director Kath Smith joining the Boohoo boardroom in the same role.

Smith has been a non-executive director at JD Sports since May 2019.

She was previously general manager and vice-president of The North Face EMEA.

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Smith was due to join the Boohoo boardroom on May 1.

However, JD Sports withdrew its consent for the appointment.

Boohoo said it was currently seeking a replacement.

The online fashion retailer saw its revenue and profit surge in the year to February 29.

Group revenue was up 44 per cent year on year to £1.23 billion, while profits before tax rose by 54 per cent to £92.2 million, which Boohoo attributes to successful sales in its athleisure and loungewear due to the Covid-19 lockdown.

Separately, JD Sports delayed the publication of its preliminary results for the 12 months to February 1 in April and ruled out a final dividend in a bid to cut costs during the coronavirus pandemic.

The sportswear retailer said it is looking to “preserve capital” and said there would be no final dividend.

“It is the board’s current intention that the group would look to resume dividend payments when conditions allow,” JD Sports said.

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