Jakub Jankowski Set to Lead IKEA Group Into a New Era of Global Challenges

A Leadership Transition at a Pivotal Moment

The global retail and manufacturing giant IKEA is preparing for a new chapter in its leadership. Jakub Jankowski, the 49-year-old Polish executive currently serving as managing director of IKEA Industry — the group’s manufacturing arm — has been appointed as the next CEO of Inter IKEA Group, effective January 1, 2026.

Jankowski will succeed Jon Abrahamsson Ring, who has led the company since 2020 and announced he will step down after more than two decades with IKEA. The transition comes at a time when global industries, including furniture manufacturing, are under intense pressure from geopolitical uncertainty, supply chain disruptions, and shifting trade policies.

A Career Built Inside IKEA

Jankowski is a true product of IKEA’s internal talent pipeline. He joined the company in 2001 in Poland, where he quickly rose through the ranks, holding positions that spanned assortment management, purchasing, and product development. His international assignments — in Romania, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Sweden — gave him a deep understanding of both the company’s culture and the operational complexities of its global footprint.

Some of his most notable roles include:

• CEO Assistant & Assortment Manager – building early experience in product strategy.
• Deputy Director of Purchasing – navigating supplier negotiations and raw material sourcing.
• Managing Director, IKEA Industry – leading the group’s extensive manufacturing operations across multiple countries.

This trajectory has given Jankowski a holistic view of IKEA’s vertically integrated business model, from supply chains and procurement to retail strategy and sustainability.

The Legacy of Jon Abrahamsson Ring

Ring took over as CEO of Inter IKEA Group in 2020, guiding the company through an extraordinary period marked by the COVID-19 pandemic, global inflation, and disrupted supply chains. His leadership focused on reinforcing IKEA’s sustainability commitments, advancing its digital transformation, and maintaining affordability during a period of sharp cost pressures.

In announcing his departure, Ring emphasized that “this is a good moment to hand over the reins,” signaling confidence in Jankowski’s readiness to lead the group into its next phase.

Global Context: Volatility in Trade and Supply Chains

The leadership handover comes against the backdrop of significant geopolitical and economic turbulence. Under President Donald Trump’s second term in Washington, the United States has pursued aggressive trade policies, including new import tariffs designed to shift trade balances in America’s favor.

For a company like IKEA — heavily dependent on global supply chains for raw materials, manufacturing, and distribution — these policies present substantial challenges. Rising input costs, logistical bottlenecks, and regional trade frictions are forcing the company to rethink sourcing strategies and expand its emphasis on localization and regional production.

IKEA’s Manufacturing Backbone

As head of IKEA Industry, Jankowski has been at the center of the company’s efforts to stabilize supply chains and secure long-term resilience. IKEA Industry operates some of the largest furniture manufacturing facilities in the world, employing thousands of workers and producing a significant share of the group’s wood-based furniture.

His experience managing these operations positions him to address two of the company’s most pressing priorities:

Cost Management – mitigating the effects of inflation and tariffs.

Sustainability – ensuring compliance with stricter European Union and global environmental standards.

Sustainability and Innovation: The Next CEO’s Mandate

Sustainability has long been a cornerstone of IKEA’s brand identity. From renewable energy investments to circular economy initiatives, the company has sought to balance growth with environmental responsibility.

Jankowski will be expected to:

• Accelerate IKEA’s carbon-neutral commitments.
• Expand investment in sustainable materials and recycling programs.
• Push further into digital retail and e-commerce ecosystems, ensuring IKEA stays competitive in a rapidly shifting retail environment.

The dual challenge of growth and green transformation will define his leadership agenda.

Growth Beyond Europe

While Europe remains IKEA’s largest market, emerging markets in Asia, Latin America, and Africa represent significant opportunities for future expansion. Jankowski’s international experience equips him to navigate the complexities of these regions, where urbanization, rising middle-class consumption, and digital-first retail models are reshaping consumer behavior.

At the same time, local competition, political instability, and fluctuating currencies pose risks. The incoming CEO will need to balance pragmatism with ambition, expanding responsibly while protecting the company’s reputation for affordability and social responsibility.

Leadership Style: Pragmatic, Operational, Global

Colleagues describe Jankowski as a pragmatic operator with a hands-on leadership style. His background in procurement and manufacturing suggests a focus on execution, operational discipline, and cost efficiency, balanced by a strong awareness of IKEA’s values-driven culture.

This blend of operational expertise and cultural alignment may prove essential as the company grapples with simultaneous pressures: staying true to its Swedish heritage while functioning as a global retail powerhouse.

A Symbolic Appointment for Central Europe

Jankowski’s promotion also carries symbolic weight. As a Polish national, his appointment underscores IKEA’s recognition of the strategic role Central and Eastern Europe play in the company’s manufacturing and supply chains. Poland, in particular, is home to several of IKEA’s key production facilities and suppliers.

In an era when global companies are rethinking their geographic footprints, Jankowski’s ascent signals IKEA’s appreciation for regional leadership and operational excellence outside its Swedish headquarters.

Looking Ahead: The Challenges of 2026 and Beyond

As Jankowski prepares to assume leadership, he faces a formidable agenda:

• Navigating trade tensions and tariffs while preserving affordability.
• Accelerating sustainability commitments under tighter global regulations.
• Driving digital transformation to compete with e-commerce giants.
• Expanding globally without diluting IKEA’s brand values.

The scale of the task is immense, but so is the opportunity. IKEA remains one of the world’s most trusted consumer brands, with a unique model that combines low-cost design, mass production, and sustainability.

Conclusion: A New Era of Pragmatic Leadership

Jakub Jankowski’s appointment as CEO of IKEA Group marks both continuity and renewal. With a career forged inside the company and a proven track record in global operations, he represents a new generation of leadership capable of guiding IKEA through the next wave of geopolitical, economic, and environmental challenges.

As the company prepares for its future, one thing is clear: Jankowski’s leadership will be tested by forces beyond IKEA’s control — from global trade policies to climate change. His success will depend on balancing operational excellence with the company’s founding values of affordability, inclusivity, and sustainability.

For IKEA’s employees, customers, and stakeholders, the transition is more than a change in leadership. It is the beginning of a new chapter in the company’s global story.

“I am truly honored and humbled by the task,” Jankowski said in a company statement, adding: “I strongly believe in the IKEA direction and in continuing the work to make IKEA even more affordable, accessible and sustainable.”

“I am happy and grateful for my long IKEA journey and proud of what we have accomplished together in this generation of IKEA. In times of turmoil and transformation, IKEA stands strong with a clear direction and good momentum, and the timing is now right to hand over and say thank you for all the passion and commitment by the 200,000+ IKEA colleagues, franchisees, and suppliers,” he said in a company statement.

“On behalf of CEOWORLD magazine, I extend my warmest congratulations to Jakub Jankowski on his appointment as the next CEO of IKEA Group. His remarkable journey through diverse leadership roles across Europe reflects not only his deep expertise but also his commitment to innovation, resilience, and people-centered leadership. At a time when global businesses face unprecedented challenges, Jakub’s vision and operational strength will no doubt steer IKEA into a bold new chapter of growth and sustainability. We celebrate his achievement and look forward to witnessing the positive impact of his leadership on one of the world’s most iconic brands,” Prof. Dr. Amarendra Bhushan Dhiraj, CEOWORLD magazine Executive Chair, CEO, and Editorial Director, said.

Have you read?
Italy’s 2025 Boom: Why Millionaires and Billionaires Are Moving In.
Dysfunctional Senior Teams: The Hidden Paradox of Top Talent.
China’s Economic Future: Why Business Environment Reform Is Critical.
Career Growth Hack: Create a Short List to Fast-Track Success.
Gen AI Learning Tactics Every Company Needs to Survive.