This change formalises their responsibility for sustainability in the countries as part of a wider transformation agenda.

“We want to grow the Ikea business in a sustainable way - we know that our future success lies in our ability to make a positive impact for people and planet. By taking this step to integrate sustainability into every aspect of our retail operations, we can accelerate the transformation of the business to become even more affordable, convenient and sustainable for our customers,” says Tolga Öncü, retail operations manager, Ingka Group.

Through the integrated role, country retail managers will take greater leadership in moving towards the IKEA ambition to inspire and enable one billion people to live a better life within the limits of the planet by 2030. Sustainability performance will now be integrated as a formal part of the individual and team goals for the country.

“I’m eager to take on the role and greater responsibility of Chief Sustainability Officer to ensure that sustainability is at the center of our business,” says Javier Quiñones, country manager, Ikea Retail US. “One of our core values is caring for people and planet, which inspires me and our co-workers to co-create a new Ikea that is more sustainable for the future.”

The company is committed to achieving science-based targets to contribute to fulfilling the Paris Agreement. Ingka has initiated a range of initiatives in its 30 markets including: offering home solar in seven countries and in all countries by 2025; furniture leasing will be tested in the coming year; and all home delivery solutions will be zero-emissions in central Amsterdam, Los Angeles, New York, Paris and Shanghai by 2020. (RR)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India