Exclusive: The longstanding boss of JD Sports’ outdoors business Lee Bagnall has stepped down from the business and Hobbycraft chief executive Dominic Jordan is set to take the hotseat, Retail Week can reveal.
Bagnall has spent 12 years leading JD Outdoor, a division that turned over more than £550m in its last financial year and includes Go Outdoors, Blacks and Millets.
Dominic Jordan, who has been at the helm of Hobbycraft since 2018, will take over from Bagnall. He departs the arts and craft retailer following its acquisition by specialist retail investor Modella Capital last year.
Modella is one of the firms understood to be circling WHSmith’s up-for-sale high street estate.
Bagnall leaves the sportswear giant following the opening of Go Outdoors’ landmark York Vangarde store last year in a former John Lewis property.
The shop is the largest in the outdoor group’s portfolio at 125,000 sq ft.
Bagnall, who previously held director roles at B&Q and Bensons for Beds, is understood to be exploring new opportunities.
A JD Sports spokesperson said: “We are delighted to welcome Dominic Jordan as the new chief executive of JD Outdoor. Dominic’s track record in retail transformation, digital strategy and store operations make him an ideal addition to the JD team and a leader for our Outdoors business.
“We thank Lee Bagnall for his significant contributions to JD Outdoor over the last 12 years driving growth and innovation in our Outdoor fascia. Lee will remain with the business to ensure a smooth transition.”
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