JD Sports’ chief operating officer will leave the retailer after 12 years.

JD Sports store exterior

Sherilyn Paterson joined the sportswear giant in 2012 as head of merchandise for footwear before becoming chief operating officer last year. She was also group operations director during her time.

Prior to her experience at JD Sports, Paterson held senior positions at Kurt Geiger, Miss Selfridge and Topshop.

Paterson is said to be stepping down for “personal reasons” as reported by Drapers and Retail Gazette. It is not yet known who will take on the role once Paterson departs.

In its latest results to the 53 weeks to February 3, JD Sports recorded like-for-like sales growth of 3.8%, while profit before tax fell 8% to £917m.

The sportswear retailer had previously issued a profit warning from £1.04bn to somewhere between £915m and £935m.

Chief executive Régis Schultz said at the time of the results that JD Sports had started the new financial year “in line with expectations in a volatile market” but expects to deliver its updated profit guidance of £955m to £1.035bn.