Al-Futtaim appoints John Kersten as Managing Director of IKEA

Al-Futtaim Group today announced the appointment of John Kersten as Managing Director of IKEA’s operations in the UAE, Egypt, Qatar and Oman.

John’s primary role will be to deploy his vast experience in the retail sector across all management and operational areas of IKEA’s business and drive expansion of the brand into the MENA region.

Steve Hammett, President, Al-Futtaim Retail said: “John returns to IKEA with a strong pedigree that will ensure the brand’s expansion in MENA stays on course with the Group’s strategy. His considerable experience in the retail sector is an asset and will enable us achieve challenging targets and objectives the Group has set for the brand in the UAE and MENA region.”

John has been part of the IKEA brand for 17 years, operating out of the Netherlands, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Spain and Turkey.

Clearly echoing the Swedish furniture and furnishing giant’s vision to create a better everyday lifefor the many people, John will motivate resources to grow IKEA in the region without compromising values of the brand or the Al-Futtaim Group.

“The IKEA brand is about inspiring people and providing the best service, range of products at the lowest possible price,” said John. “It’s a privilege to be part of the Al-Futtaim Group and be put in a position to contribute to the success of the IKEA business model.”