JD Sports Fashion, the well-known Bury-based athleisurewear group, has appointed Prama Bhatt as a new non-executive director. Effective from 23 September, Bhatt will also become a member of both the nominations committee and the remuneration committee, and will join the board of the group’s US subsidiary, Genesis Holdings Inc.
Prama Bhatt comes with over 20 years of experience in omnichannel retailing, having led digital and eCommerce teams at Kenneth Cole Productions and Toys R Us. Her recent role was as Chief Digital Officer at Ulta Beauty Inc. Here, she was instrumental in driving the company’s digital transformation and enhancing its omnichannel presence. She also currently holds a position on the Compensation Committee and Board of Hormel Foods Inc.
The Chair of JD Sports Fashion, Andrew Higginson, expressed enthusiasm about Bhatt’s appointment, saying, ‘Following the acquisition of Hibbett Inc earlier this year and recommendations made as part of the board’s recent external evaluation, the board undertook a thorough search process, led by the Nominations Committee and using an external search firm, to recruit a US-based non-executive director to add that perspective and insight to board discussions.’ Higginson further added, ‘Prama brings a wealth of relevant experience to the board and, in particular, a deep understanding of the US retail landscape.’
Prama Bhatt’s addition to JD Sports is anticipated to bring valuable insights and bolster the group’s expertise in the competitive US retail market. Her extensive background in digital retail transformation and omnichannel strategies aligns perfectly with JD Sports’ future growth ambitions.