Large Format Retail Association welcomes big brands and new faces across the Board

Today the Large Format Retail Association (LFRA) elected three new Directors with immense corporate experience:

• Jan Gardberg, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Sustainability Officer, IKEA Australia;
• Richard Champion, General Manager – Property, Amart Furniture; and
• Sam Pinchbeck, General Manager – Property and Store Development, Super Retail Group.

LFRA President and Executive Deputy Chairman of Spotlight Group, Zac Fried, believes that continual Board renewal will contribute to a refreshed vision to help guide the Large Format Retail industry, the fastest growing sector of retail in the country.

“These new Directors will bring fresh energy and new ideas to continue making the LFRA the leading retail industry association.

“The LFRA already plays a leading role across retailers, landlords, developers, and service suppliers.

“These new Directors will help us drive the agenda towards best practice across sustainability, development, and excellent customer experiences,” added Mr Fried.

Jan Gardberg joins the Board with 35 years of international IKEA experience before his appointment as CEO of IKEA Australia in April 2017, in addition to his role as Chief Sustainability Officer.

“It is encouraging to see so many Members already integrating sustainability into the core of their business. Sustainability is nothing new for IKEA and is part of our DNA in doing business.

“I embrace the opportunity to share our learnings, provide leadership and to create a much larger impact by working together with other retailers.

“Together we can become even stronger in developing sustainable retailing that add value to the industry, customers and the environment we live in.”

Richard Champion has worked in the property space for over 25 years. He has overseen more than $3 billion in retail development and held senior positions at Harvey Norman, Woolworths, and Charter Hall.

“Large format retail is in my blood,” said Mr Champion.

“I look forward to drawing on my passion for, and experience in, the industry to support

the ongoing expansion of the Association and to advocate for our retail and associate members.”

Sam Pinchbeck has experience leading top-performing teams at Australian retail giants Coles Group, Kmart, and David Jones. He currently leads the end-to-end real estate solutions for Super Retail Group’s brands BCF, Macpac, Rebel, and Supercheap Auto.

“I am excited to work closely with industry leaders and better promote ideas on behalf of two of my passions, retail and customers, on a wider platform,” said Mr Pinchbeck.

The Large Format Retail industry was not only able to trade continuously throughout the

COVID-19 pandemic but grow and implement safety measures to ensure customer convenience.

Consumers spending habits have changed and retailers have adapted to differing trading, operational requirements, and restrictions across Australia.

Mr Fried added, “I am really proud of how resilient retailers have been and how they have adapted during these uncertain times to ensure customer needs are met, with the principles of safety being the number one priority at all times.

“It has been pleasing to see that sales have maintained strong growth as the industry continues to service trends of home improvement and outdoor experiences,” concluded Mr Fried.