Régis Schultz

Régis Schultz is the current CEO of JD Sports, a leading UK-based sports fashion retailer. Appointed in September 2022 following an international search, Schultz is celebrated for his transformational leadership, deep international retail experience, and for driving bold expansion strategies at renowned retailers including Monoprix, Darty, BUT, and Al-Futtaim Group.

Early Life and Education

Born in France, Régis Schultz graduated from Paris Dauphine University in 1993. His career began as Financial Controller at Orangina (Pernod Ricard Group), quickly progressing to CFO at CSR Pampryl. Lauded for analytical acumen and a pragmatic approach, Schultz’s trajectory was forged by finance roles and multi-national operational management.

Career Background

After joining Kingfisher plc in 2000, where he was CFO and Deputy CEO at Castorama France, Schultz relocated to London in 2003 as Strategy Director and later COO for B&Q. In October 2008, he became CEO of BUT, revitalizing the French furniture retailer by introducing digital innovation and new store formats, doubling profits, and launching e-commerce.

In April 2013, Schultz took the helm at Darty, orchestrating an acclaimed turnaround and digital transformation. Techniques like the “Darty button” for instant customer service, franchise rollouts, and an online marketplace led to net profits rising from €38 million to €93 million and a share price increase from 40p to 170p.

After Fnac acquired Darty in 2016, Schultz joined Monoprix as CEO and executive committee member of Groupe Casino, focused on digital transformation and sustainability initiatives—integrating services like Amazon Prime Now and cutting plastic waste.

From September 2019, Schultz led Al-Futtaim Retail, launching and managing 70 brands in 16 countries from the Middle East to Asia. He oversaw names like IKEA, Marks & Spencer, and Nike across a vast geography.

JD Sports: Leadership and Achievements

Régis Schultz became CEO of JD Sports in 2022. He immediately set a five-year growth strategy: opening up to 350 new stores annually, aiming for double-digit sales growth, and building a digitally advanced, omnichannel retail structure. Under Schultz’s guidance, JD Sports strategically acquired players in the US (e.g., Hibbett) and Europe (Courir), reinforced its dominating presence in North America, and expanded with flagships on Manchester’s Trafford Centre and the Avenue des Champs-Élysées in Paris.

Schultz’s strategy emphasizes:

• Expanding the JD brand internationally
• Focusing on “the young athlete” customer segment
• Strengthening digital, supply chain, and margin discipline
• Making diversity, youth employment, and a dynamic company culture a priority.

Recent Developments

By 2025, Schultz successfully navigated JD Sports through volatile economies, FX risk, and profit pressure in the UK and US, while reinforcing growth and opening new stores at record rates. Shareholder updates in April 2025 emphasized strict cost control and focus on high-performing international markets. As of mid-2025, JD Sports remains laser-focused on organic global growth and disciplined expansion, while stabilizing after its history of aggressive acquisitions.

Legacy and Vision

Schultz is credited with transforming JD Sports from a UK retailer into an international sports fashion leader. He champions operational excellence, digital innovation, and global best practices—steering JD towards youth culture, inclusivity, and high-margin growth markets. Schultz is married, with two sons and a daughter, and remains respected for both corporate discipline and a talent for navigating cultural shifts in retail.

Milestones & Achievements

Régis Schultz leads JD Sports as a visionary, pragmatic, and highly international chief executive. His legacy will be measured in global growth, resilience, and digital excellence.