Bury-based FTSE 100 retailer JD Sports Fashion Plc announced that Andy Rubin has stepped down from its board as a non-executive director and will be replaced by Andy Long, an executive director at Pentland Group, which owns a 51.9% stake in JD Sports.

Long was CEO of Pentland Brands, the Pentland Group’s portfolio of sports and fashion brands, until the end of 2020, having previously held the roles of CFO and COO.

Pentland Group’s brands include Speedo, Canterbury, Berghaus and Lacoste Chaussures.

Prior to joining Pentland, Long held senior finance roles at Boots and Procter and Gamble.

Long has been a board member at Sport England since 2016. 

JD Sports executive chairman Peter Cowgill said: “I would like to thank Andy Rubin for his valuable contribution to the board over the last five years at JD, which has been a period of substantial growth of the group in geographic reach, turnover and profitability.

“I would also like to welcome Andy Long to the board of JD.

“His varied experience both at Pentland and elsewhere will be a great addition to our board, as we continue our successful development.”