JD Sports Fashion plc, the Bury-based FTSE 100 retailer, announced that Helen Ashton, non-executive director and chair of the group’s audit and risk committee, will step down “in order to focus on her other commitments.”

Ashton oversaw the delivery of an massive governance reform programme at JD Sports.

“Helen joined the Group as a Non-Executive Director in November 2021 and took on the role of Interim Chair of the Group during a time of CEO and Chair succession,” said JD Sports.

“In her role as Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee, Helen introduced and oversaw the delivery of an ambitious and wide-ranging governance reform programme, including significant improvements and investment in finance, risk management, legal systems and resources.”

Ashton said: “Following a successful period of reform and governance improvements at JD, I am pleased to hand over to a new Audit and Risk Committee Chair for the next chapter and to focus my attention on my other commitments.

“I wish the team all the best for the future and my thanks go to all who have supported me during my time at JD.”

JD Sports chair Andy Higginson said: “We are very grateful to Helen for her significant contribution over the last few years.

“As Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee she has led a root and branch review and overhaul of corporate governance and financial controls in the Group. On behalf of the board, I wish her continued success.”

JD Sports will commence a recruitment process for an additional non-executive director. Ian Dyson will assume the role of Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee in the interim.