Ikea U.S. names Ward president
By Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, February 23, 2009
Charlotte, N.C. — Charlotte, N.C.— Ikea veteran Mike Ward was named president of Ikea U.S. early this year, replacing former Ikea North America President Pernille Spiers-Lopez in her role as the U.S. country manager.
Spiers-Lopez, who led Ikea's aggressive North American growth strategy for the past several years, is now global human resources manager for all of Ikea.
Kerri Molinaro continues as president of Ikea Canada.
Ward joined Ikea in 1986 as a trainee in a Toronto store and worked in the Canadian organization for 14 years in various positions. In 2001, he moved to the Netherlands as Ikea's deputy retail manager there and became president of Ikea in the Netherlands in 2005.
While Ikea's goal of growing to 50 North American stores is nearing fruition, Ward said in an interview during the grand opening of Ikea in Charlotte that the giant home furnishings retailer will continue looking for expansion opportunities.
Joseph Roth, director of public affairs for Ikea North America, said Spiers-Lopez was instrumental in the development of nationally recognized workplace practices and benefits at Ikea North America, and will now implement her expertise in that area on a global scale for the Swedish company.
Ikea operates 294 stores in 36 countries, including 36 U.S. stores and 11 in Canada.
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