IKEA CEO appointed new Chair of better business practices collective The B Team

The B Team, a global business and civil society collective established in 2013 to drive a better vision for how business can benefit the broader world, announced last week that Jesper Brodin, Chief Executive Officer of Ingka Group (IKEA) has been appointed Chair. He succeeds Unilever CEO Paul Polman, who was Chair since 2018.

Brodin has been CEO of IKEA since 2017, and directs the global home services chain's strategy to invest in sustainable business methods, improve social well-being in its operating markets, and raise diversity across all levels of its internal operations. He joined The B Team in February last year, and outgoing chair Polman describes him as a "courageous, impatient and an inclusive leader, which is exactly what we need in this critical decade of action."

“It’s a true honor to work together with this team of leaders and be a voice for what is important for people and the planet. Together we have a huge responsibility and an opportunity to influence and lead the transition to a net-zero future where everyone will be a winner,” Brodin said of taking over the group's leadership.

The B Team was co-founded by Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson and former Puma CEO Jochen Zeitz (now CEO of Harley Davidson). Its objective is to drive sustainability, equality, and accountability in business practices, and the group has named workplace equality, climate, and governance as its strategic priorities through to 2025.