The Large Format Retail Association (LFRA) has elected three new board directors, welcoming IKEA Australia CEO and chief sustainability officer, Jan Gardberg, Amart Furniture general manager of property, Richard Champion and Super Retail Group general manager for property and store development, Sam Pinchbeck.
LFRA president and executive deputy chairman of Spotlight Group, Zac Fried (pictured), believes that continual board renewal will contribute to a refreshed vision to help guide the Large Format Retail industry.
“These new directors will bring fresh energy and new ideas to continue making the LFRA the leading retail industry association. They will help us drive the agenda towards best practice across sustainability, development, and excellent customer experiences.”
Gardberg joins the board with 35 years of international IKEA experience before his appointment as CEO of IKEA Australia in April 2017, in addition to his role as chief sustainability officer.
“It is encouraging to see so many members already integrating sustainability into the core of their business. Sustainability is nothing new for IKEA and is part of our DNA in doing business. I embrace the opportunity to share our learnings, provide leadership and to create a much larger impact by working together with other retailers. Together we can become even stronger in developing sustainable retailing that add value to the industry, customers and the environment we live in,” he said.
Champion has worked in the property space for over 25 years. He has overseen more than $3 billion in retail development and held senior positions at Harvey Norman, Woolworths, and Charter Hall.
“Large format retail is in my blood. I look forward to drawing on my passion for, and experience in, the industry to support the ongoing expansion of the Association and to advocate for our retail and associate members,” he said.
Pinchbeck has experience leading top-performing teams at Australian retail giants Coles Group, Kmart, and David Jones. He currently leads the end-to-end real estate solutions for Super Retail Group’s brands BCF, Macpac, Rebel, and Supercheap Auto.
“I am excited to work closely with industry leaders and better promote ideas on behalf of two of my passions, retail and customers, on a wider platform,” he said.