JD Sports Fashion has drafted in Andy Rubin, a director at the retailer’s largest shareholder Pentland Group, as a non-executive board member.

Rubin, who is also chairman of Pentland Brands and European vice-president of the World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry, has been appointed to the role with immediate effect.

JD, which is 57.47%-owned by Pentland Group, said Rubin’s “experience of brand development outside of Europe” will be of “considerable use” as it presses ahead with its international expansion plans.

The group has been expanding into Europe and has opened a flagship store in Amsterdam, as well as shops in Sweden, Denmark and Italy since last summer.

JD wants to trade in all major European countries, but is also bidding to grow a presence outside of Europe.

Executive chairman Peter Cowgill said: “I am pleased to announce that Andy has agreed to join the board. His experience of managing and developing brands internationally will add to our board as we continue the international expansion of the JD brand.”

The retailer upgraded its full-year profit forecast twice in the space of six weeks either side of Christmas, the second coming after an “exceptional” festive trading period. Its like-for-like sales soared 10.6% in the five weeks to January 2.

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