Ikea has announced the appointment of Javier Quiñones as the new country retail manager to replace Gillian Drakeford and lead its UK and Ireland business.
Quiñones will take the helm on June 1 and will be tasked with building on Drakeford’s sales growth and expansion legacy.
He began his Ikea career over 20 years ago at Ikea Badalona in Barcelona as a part time co-workers in the self-serve department before he progressed within Ikea Spain.
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After stints as sales manager and store manager for the Swedish retailer’s Spanish operations, he joined the UK and Ireland arm in 2014 in his current role as deputy retail manager.
Quiñones has been credited for playing an important role in driving the success of Ikea’s UK and Ireland business with responsibility for sales, property, marketing, expansion, logistics, interior design and a number of stores.
“Having already spent 20 fantastic years at Ikea, I’m excited to take my next step as country retail manager for Ikea UK and Ireland,” he said.
He added: “There’s a huge amount of innovation and transformation in the retail industry, from experimenting with in-store experience to merging digital and physical retail.
“I’m looking forward to ensuring Ikea leads the way, and continuing the journey we’ve been on to date, building on Gillian’s legacy.”
Meanwhile, Drakeford will join Inter Ikea Systems, the owner of the Ikea Concept and worldwide franchiser, as Ikea Retail System Manager.
There, she will lead the development of the Swedish giant’s retail system.
Ikea commended her for her work in committing to paying the real Living Wage in 2016 and becoming the first major retailer to guarantee one weekend off in four for customer-facing staff.
“I am so proud of what we have accomplished to date in the UK and Ireland and I feel honoured to have the opportunity to join Inter Ikea Systems,” Drakeford said.
“I’m looking forward to taking my next step in the business and having a positive impact on the future development of Ikea.”
Quiñones is set to take the helm just as as Ikea in the UK and Ireland achieved its sixth consecutive year of growth last year, and opened new stores in Reading, Sheffield and its 21st store in Exeter, which opened last week.
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