BURLINGTON, ON, Jan. 10, 2017 /CNW/ - Home furnishings retailer IKEA Canada is pleased to announce that Marsha Smith, a 13 year veteran of the IKEA organization, has been appointed as President of IKEA Canada effective February 6, 2017.
"It is a huge privilege to have the opportunity to lead the Canadian organization and be part of continuing what has been a fantastic growth story," stated Smith. "I look forward to my role in the exciting chapter ahead as we look to double the number of IKEA stores in Canada and create a better everyday life for the many Canadians."
With a proven track record of leading teams that create significant growth and expansion, Marsha is eager to bring her insights, gathered from working at IKEA United Kingdom and Ireland for many years, to the Canadian market.
With passion and determination for success- one of Marsha's first business priorities is get to know each co-worker across the country and immerse herself into the Canadian retail landscape.
"I look forward to meeting with every one of our Canadian co-workers across all units and collaborating in order to ensure a successful expansion journey, together taking the IKEA brand into previously uncharted areas of the country," continued Smith.
Marsha began her IKEA career in 2004 as Customer Service Manager in the Birmingham store. She held various roles at this store within the Customer Relations, Finance and Operations departments before transitioning into the role of Store Manager in 2011. In early 2014, Marsha moved to the Republic of Ireland where she became the Store Manager of IKEA Dublin. During her time in this role, Marsha lead the store to significant growth, including leading the Market Penetration Plan process for Ireland, which triggered the start of expansion in this market for the first time in eight years. The business has grown significantly, experiencing 44 per cent cumulative growth over the past three years and it continues to grow.
Prior to IKEA, Marsha worked in sales within the automotive industry and was attracted to IKEA after learning about the company's culture and values and seeing the strong connection to her own personal values. As well, Marsha was drawn to IKEA's down-to-earth environment, where hard-working individuals can thrive and be successful.
ABOUT IKEA CANADA
IKEA is a leading home furnishing retailer with 375 stores in more than 50 countries worldwide, which are visited by 884 million people every year. IKEA Canada has 12 stores, an eCommerce virtual store, 6 Pick-up and order points in Quebec City and southern Ontario and two Collection Points in Halifax and Saskatoon. The company also recently announced plans to open stores in Halifax and Quebec City. Last year, IKEA Canada welcomed 28 million visitors to its stores and 88 million visitors to the IKEA.ca website. Founded in 1943, IKEA's business philosophy is to offer a wide range of products of good design and function at prices so low, the majority of people can afford them. For more information on IKEA, please visit: www.IKEA.ca.
SOURCE IKEA Canada
Stephanie Harnett, Corporate Press Officer, IKEA Canada, Tel: 905.637.9440 ext. 6378, [email protected]
ABOUT IKEA CANADA Founded in 1943 in Sweden, IKEA is a leading home furnishing retailer, offering a wide range of well-designed, functional home furnishing products at prices so low that as many people as possible can afford them. IKEA Canada is part of Ingka Group which...
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