New Delhi:
Sweden-based IKEA, the world’s largest home furnishings retailer, announced on Wednesday the appointment of Susanne Pulverer as the first female chief executive officer (CEO) and chief sustainability officer (CSO) for its Indian operations.
Pulverer will replace outgoing IKEA India CEO and CSO Peter Betzel, IKEA said in a statement.
This will be the third stint in India for Pulverer, who joined IKEA in 1997 and worked in various roles within the Ingka Group company, it added. Prior to her new role as CEO of IKEA India, Pulverer held the position of Group Risk and Compliance Manager at the Ingka Group.
“I am delighted to be back in India as we move closer to our vision of creating a better everyday life for the many people. India is a priority market for the Ingka Group.” “Peter and the team have done a really commendable job introducing IKEA to India as a targeted brand, expanding its omnichannel presence in cities, strengthening local sourcing and retail competence, and much more,” said Pulverer.
She added that the company will continue its journey to further expand and establish IKEA as a meaningful, loved and trusted brand in India, while continuing to focus on the company’s long-term commitments for 2030.
Peter Betzel, the outgoing CEO of IKEA India, said: “It has been an incredible experience to be part of the IKEA India journey. I have had the support of an excellent and dedicated team and I would like to thank them all for -relentless efforts during this unprecedented time.”
Betzel added that the love of people in India for IKEA has also become humbling. “I am thrilled to leave the baton in the capable hands of Susanne (Pulverer).”
Pulverer had started her IKEA journey as an environmental manager for the IKEA Group and had progressed to IKEA of Sweden, the product development company where she held various roles in different business categories.
She then moved to India in 2007 to lead the sourcing function for IKEA South Asia, where she developed a strong bond and passion for India and its people.
“Before joining IKEA India in 2017, Susanne (Pulverer) was the director of IKEA Communications, IKEA’s internal office, for five years, leading the organization through a major transformation to achieve better business and people results ,” it said.
Pulverer led market development for Delhi-NCR in her last position in India, where she also spearheaded the sustainability agenda and local community initiatives.
IKEA India, part of the Ingka Group, opened its first store in Hyderabad in August 2018, followed by a store in Navi Mumbai in December 2020. This year, it plans to open another store in Bengaluru.
Moreover, it also has an online presence in Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Gujarat and Bengaluru.
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