Sports Direct’s long-standing head of retail Karen Byers exits

Byers, who was once described by the retailer’s founder Mike Ashley as the person who “runs Sports Direct”, has left the business with immediate effect.

Ashley told PA that Byers, who has held the role of head of retail for approximately 17 years, would be welcome back at the retailer if she decided to return.

“Karen has been a very supportive member of the team for over 28 years and we wish her well for the future,” he said.

“The focus of the business as we move forward remains our programme of brand elevation, one that we are totally committed to.

“The door will always be open to Karen if she wishes to come back to the business as a consultant.”

Staff were informed of Byers’ departure on Monday and a replacement for her role is yet to be announced.

The long-standing retail director, who climbed the ranks from the shopfloor of Sports Direct to be one of its most influential directors, was at Ashley’s side when journalists were invited to visit the retailer’s Shirebrook warehouse in Derbyshire.

She was paid a £5m bonus following Sports Direct’s listing on the stock market in 2007, and has netted an estimated £1m from the retailer’s bonus scheme.

Speaking to The Times in 2016 while weathering the scandal surrounding the working conditions in Sports Direct’s Shirebrook warehouse, Ashley said: “Karen Byers runs Sports Direct.

“She is the person who sets the rules. Not me.”