JD Sports Fashion has been focusing intensively on its US operations in recent periods as it seeks to radically grow its business in that huge market and its latest non-executive director appointment is significant here.

The retailer of sports, fashion and outdoor brands, has announced that Prama Bhatt will join the board as a non-exec on 23 September and will join the Nominations and Remuneration Committees as well as joining the board of JD‘s US subsidiary, Genesis Holdings Inc.

Her cross-category US knowledge is extensive. She brings over 20 years of experience in omnichannel retailing, leading digital and e-commerce teams at Kenneth Cole Productions and Toys R Us.  Most recently, she served as chief digital officer of Ulta Beauty, where JD said “she was instrumental in driving the company’s digital transformation and expanding its omnichannel presence”.  

She also sits on the compensation committee and board of Hormel Foods Inc.

JD chair Andrew Higginson said that following the acquisition of Hibbett earlier this year and recommendations made as part of the board’s recent external evaluation, it undertook “a thorough search process”, using an external search firm, to recruit a US-based non-exec. He added: “Prama brings a wealth of relevant experience to the Board and, in particular, a deep understanding of the US retail landscape.”