Ingka Group elevates Juvencio Maeztu to IKEA CEO ahead of Jesper Brodin’s departure after eight years. The move signals a new chapter for the world’s largest IKEA franchisee, as it continues to adapt to evolving consumer expectations, digital acceleration, and sustainability priorities.

Leadership Change at Ingka Group

New Delhi — Ingka Group, the largest global IKEA franchisee and operator of the majority of IKEA stores, today named Juvencio Maeztu the next Chief Executive Officer and President, effective November 5, 2025. Maeztu, previously Deputy CEO and Chief Financial Officer, will take over from Jesper Brodin, who departs after eight years in the role and a three-decade career with the Swedish home furnishings company.

A Seasoned IKEA Executive

Maeztu has worked for IKEA for 25 years, holding leadership positions in several countries and across business units. He started as a store manager in Spain in the early 2000s, gradually taking on more responsibility in operational and strategic roles. His career has spanned finance, retail, and corporate functions, and he is known for marrying operational rigor with an unwavering commitment to the customer experience.

In his role as Deputy CEO and CFO, Maeztu was instrumental in guiding Ingka Group through the turbulence of the COVID-19 crisis, directing critical expenditure on e-commerce platforms, bolstering supply chain robustness, and scaling renewable energy initiatives. He also drove the integration of digital technologies in IKEA’s physical stores, accelerating the shift to a cohesive omnichannel offering.

Strategic Priorities Ahead

In stepping into the role of CEO, Maeztu’s immediate priority will be to further IKEA’s evolution into a seamlessly connected omnichannel retailer. This includes scaling online selling platforms, fortifying last-mile logistics, and harmonising the customer journey across every physical and digital interaction.

Equally imperative will be the progression of Ingka Group’s sustainability agenda, a cornerstone of IKEA’s enduring mission. The aspiration to become climate-positive by 2030 sets the objective of removing more greenhouse gases than the entire value chain emits. Meeting this goal will necessitate sustained outlay on renewable energy, circular product solutions, and innovations that empower people to live more sustainably.

Maeztu commented: “I’m genuinely excited about the future we can create at IKEA. Lower prices aren’t just part of our culture; they’re our pledge to the many people we serve. We’ll keep experimenting, widen our reach, and stay true to our mission of making beautiful, sustainable home furnishings easy for everyone to afford.”

Brodin’s Legacy

Jesper Brodin’s years at the helm have revolved around tough tests and decisive progress. He steered the company through the pandemic, market surges, shortages, and the evolving consumer habits, all while championing the shift to integrated retail.

Under Brodin’s guidance, Ingka Group increased renewable investments, adding more solar and wind installations than any retailer worldwide. He also advanced inclusion programs and kept the IKEA mission—making daily life a little better for as many people as possible—firmly in focus.

Brodin said: “We’ve weathered one storm after another while turning IKEA into a retail brand built on omnichannel and sustainability. It feels right to hand the reins to a successor now, and I’m enthusiastic about Juvencio stepping up.” He will remain in a transitional role until February 2026 before joining the IKEA Foundation, the charitable arm financing social and environmental projects worldwide.

Trust in the Leadership Shift

Chairman Lars-Johan Jarnheimer expressed confidence in Maeztu, citing his intimate understanding of the brand, sharp leadership, and a record of execution: “Juvencio’s broad retail background and genuine commitment to IKEA’s founding principles position him perfectly for this role. We are certain he will honor Jesper’s accomplishments while guiding us into a fresh and promising phase.”

The leadership change comes as the global retail arena undergoes unprecedented transformation. Accelerating digital integration, evolving consumer preferences, and intensified competition among merchants and online platforms are redefining the home furnishing sector. Ingka Group’s future performance will hinge on its ability to merge IKEA’s iconic store roots with advanced digital capabilities—an intersection where Maeztu has excelled.

With the November handover approaching, Ingka Group’s ecosystem—customers, co-workers, and suppliers alike—will observe closely to see how Maeztu harmonizes enduring values and progressive change. For more insights into corporate leadership shifts, visit Bizrush.