Juvencio Maetzu: Day One of Ingka Group’s New Leadership Era

Juvencio Maeztu officially began his first day as CEO and President of Ingka Group, IKEA’s largest franchisee, on 5 November. 

In a LinkedIn post Juvencio said: “Over the past three months, I have had the privilege to visit many of our markets across the world, meet our amazing colleagues and customers and learn from their reality. 

“This is for me the best source of inspiration and the best school of leadership. 

“Today is day one as CEO and I feel grateful to all colleagues who have been part of shaping my IKEA journey and leadership over the last 25 years,” he continued. 

“And just like every new IKEA product, this new role is an opportunity and a big responsibility to be part of creating a better everyday life at home for the many people at as low prices as possible.”

He succeeds Jesper Brodin, who announced in August that he would step down after 30 years at IKEA and eight years leading Ingka Group. 

At that time, Jesper confirmed he would transition to a Senior Advisor role for IKEA Foundation, marking the next chapter in his long career with the Swedish retailer.

Jesper Brodin’s 30-year IKEA journey

Jesper began his IKEA career in 1995 as Purchase Manager in Pakistan, embarking on a path defined by growth and purpose. 

Four years later, he became assistant to IKEA Founder Ingvar Kamprad and then-CEO Anders Dahlvig, before moving through senior supply chain and product range roles. 

In 2011, he was named Supply Chain Manager, later serving as CEO of IKEA Range and Supply, before being appointed CEO and President of Ingka Group in 2017.

Announcing his decision to step down, Jesper wrote on LinkedIn: “After 30 inspiring years within IKEA, and the recent eight as CEO & President, I have taken the personal decision to step down. 

“It has not been an easy one to take, but I truly feel this is a good time.”

Handing over the reins to Juvencio, Jesper wrote on LinkedIn on 6 November: “Many years ago, I made a promise to our founder Ingvar Kamprad, to continue to keep the price of the hotdog at 5 SEK in Sweden.

“It may sound like a small thing, but it stands for something big: our commitment to affordability, always siding with the many people and to never forget where we come from.

“As I now step into a new phase, this promise – and all it represents – is one I leave in the good hands of Juvencio.

“I know you will continue to lead with care, courage and curiosity – and keep the price of the hotdog. Because it’s never just about the price, it’s about who we are at IKEA.”

A legacy of culture and sustainability

Jesper leaves a clear legacy of values-based leadership and sustainability. He helped embed environmental awareness into IKEA’s strategy, rooted in the company’s long-held belief that waste is unacceptable. 

“We were taught that wasting resources was a sin,” he said. “The only way IKEA can be successful in the future is to be in a hurry to get sustainable.”

He emphasised that affordability and sustainability must go hand in hand, a principle he described as essential to IKEA’s long-term success.

Among those citing his influence is Karen Pflug, Chief Sustainability Officer at Ingka Group. 

Discussing how Jesper inspired her career, she says: “Eleven years ago, Jesper Brodin took a chance on me. I left sunny Hong Kong, moved my family to Sweden and began my IKEA journey. 

“His trust, support and infectious optimism have shaped my career from my early days as Head of Quality to my work as CSO today.”

As Jesper moves into his new advisory role, Juvencio now leads with the same values: humility, curiosity and purpose. 

His message on day one makes clear that IKEA’s mission is to create “a better everyday life for the many people", keeping affordability, sustainability and people at the heart of everything the business does.