Maeztu Juvencio (Cádiz, 1968), until now CEO attached, has been appointed Ingka Group CEO (Ikea), The main retail company of the Swedish giant. Maeztu, who began his career in Ikea as director of stores in Spain, will happen to Jesper Brodin, who leaves office after eight years. This appointment marks an important milestone, since it is the first time that the global direction of the company falls to someone who is not of Swedish nationality.
To contextualize the importance of this appointment, Ingka Group is Ikea's largest franchisee. With operations in 31 markets, it represents 90% of brand global sales, both physical (stores and shopping centers) as online. The remaining 10% is in the hands of franchisees such as Al-Futtaim Group, which operates Ikea stores in countries such as Egypt, United Arab Emirates and Qatar, or Falabella Group, responsible for stores in South America, such as in Chile, Colombia and Peru.
The new CEO will not only direct retail operations, but It will also lead the group's investment and innovation strategy, as well as the management of the brand's shopping centers.
The leadership change will be effective on November 5, 2025. Jesper Brodin, who has spent 30 years in the company, will remain in the organization until February 2026 to ensure a fluid transition and will later join the Ikea Foundation as a senior advisor.
A 25 -year trajectory and a “splendid leadership”
The election of Juvencio Maeztu (on the right, in the photo that opens this article) has been supported by the president of the Ingka Holding Supervision Council, Lars-Johan Jarnheimer, who highlighted his extensive experience and his “splendid leadership.” Maeztu He began his journey in Ikea in the brand's store in Alcorcón in 2001 And he has played various roles in the last decade at the company's headquarters in Spain, Portugal or the United Kingdom, including his passage through Ikea India as general director for more than six years. His experience in the retail sector and entrepreneurial mentality are seen by the company as key strengths for the future challenges of the company.
Juvencio is an economist and MBA for the IESE Business School, he is married, he has two children, resides in the Netherlands, and has not taken to express his gratitude and enthusiasm: «I am very excited and excited by the future of Ikea. The depth of our vision and our commitment to affordability and the low price suppose much more than a business idea: it is our responsibility with most people.
The vision of the future: Sustainability and Omnicanal Expansion
Brodin, the outgoing CEO, has been the main driver of Ikea's transformation into a omnicanal company, expanding to new markets and cities with formats more adapted to customer needs. In addition, it has managed to integrate sustainability as a central pillar of the business model, a legacy that Maeztu has committed to continue.
In his farewell, Jesper Brodin was optimistic about the future of the company under the direction of Maeztu, highlighting his “deep commitment to business, people and the planet.”
