JD Sports appoints tech-savvy Sabetnia to board, as Jackson departs

By

Nigel TAYLOR

Published
Nov 30, 2021

After announcing quite a few new arrivals to its executive board over the year, JD Sports Fashion on Tuesday had another to non-exec to welcome, alongside one departure.

After more than six years on its board, Heather Jackson has stepped down from her position as non-executive director, effective 29 November. And, of course, alongside her exit, the athletic sportswear retail giant also announced Mahbobeh Sabetnia as her replacement. 

Sabetina joins with strong business pedigree, having held executive roles within Amazon, McDonald’s, HSBC and, most recently, Mars. 

She is a “strategic and results-driven executive with significant digital transformation experience across various sectors”, JD said. 

“She has been at the forefront of e-business expansions, leading data-driven consumer insights to unlock value and framing new business propositions. Mahbobeh has an extensive track record delivering digital growth in global organisations,” the retailer added.

Executive chairman Peter Cowgill said of the new appointment: "[Sabetina] has very relevant digital and e-commerce experience and her expertise will add significantly to the balance and skill sets of the JD Board. 

“I have every confidence that she will be a real asset, as we continue the global expansion of our best in class digital and physical retail proposition.”

Cowgill also noted that, during Jackson’s six years at the retailer, “the company has developed considerably to become one of the UK's prominent global retailers.”