Mike Ashley: Sports Direct founder to step down as boss of Frasers Group retail empire next year

Sports Direct founder Mike Ashley is to step down as head of his retail empire and hand the baton to his prospective son-in-law, it has been announced.

The company confirmed the tycoon would leave his role as chief executive of Frasers Group next year, as the business revealed its latest full-year trading figures, which showed a sharp drop in profits as a result of the COVID-19 lockdowns.

Mr Ashley will remain on the board as an executive director.

He will be replaced in the top job by 31-year-old Michael Murray, who is engaged to Mr Ashley’s daughter, Anna.

Mr Murray is currently “head of elevation” at the retail group, which also owns House of Fraser and Flannels, and has been tasked with modernising the business and creating a more upmarket image.

The firm said: “The group’s elevation strategy is transforming the business and receiving positive feedback from consumers and our brand partners, especially on projects such as the new Oxford Street Sports Direct which opened in June 2021.

“The board consider it appropriate that Michael leads us forward on this increasingly successful elevation journey.”

The board is now in discussions over “transitioning” the role from Mr Ashley to Mr Murray.

The company added: “It is currently proposed that Michael Murray will assume the role of CEO on 1 May 2022.”

Mr Ashley, who has been one of the high street’s most colourful and controversial characters, founded Sports Direct in Maidenhead, Berkshire, in 1982.

He has rapidly grown his retail operation in recent years, snapping up a number of troubled British brands including Evans Cycles, Jack Wills and Game.

The group is now worth around £3bn and has almost 1,000 shops.

Mr Ashley was previously executive deputy chairman of the retail group – which changed its name from Sports Direct International to Frasers Group last year – until 2016, when long-serving chief executive Dave Forsey resigned.

The leadership reshuffle came as the group revealed its profits plummeted over the last year after sales were hit by enforced high street closures during the coronavirus pandemic.

The retail giant said that pre-tax profits dived by 94.1% to £8.5m for the year to 25 April, compared with £143.5m in the previous year.

Mr Ashley said: “The group is continuing to invest in its physical and digital elevation strategy and our omni-channel offering is growing in strength.

“Our stores in the UK have reopened above expectations and our online channel continues to significantly outperform pre-COVID-19 periods.

“Nonetheless, management remains of the view that there is a high risk of future COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, likely to be over this winter and maybe beyond.”