IKEA India, a subsidiary of the global Swedish home furnishings giant, has announced the appointment of Patrik Antoni as its next Chief Executive Officer, effective August 2025. The leadership transition marks a significant moment for the company as it enters the second phase of its expansion strategy in the Indian market.
Patrik brings over two decades of experience within the IKEA ecosystem, including a deep understanding of its global value chain. His previous tenure in India, notably as Deputy CEO for five years, positions him strongly to steer the company through its next chapter of growth. He was also part of the pioneering team that launched IKEA’s first Indian store in Hyderabad.
"Antoni will lead the company's ambitious growth plans in India, leveraging his 20-plus years of IKEA experience and deep knowledge of the total IKEA value chain. In this new structure, the CEO will take on holistic responsibility for retail operations in India and common topics across Ingka companies," IKEA India said in a statement.
His international portfolio includes his leadership as General Manager of IKEA Russia, where he oversaw all operations under the Ingka umbrella. His return to India is seen as a strategic move, ensuring continuity and reinforcing the company’s commitment to the market.
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"I look forward to bringing my experience, energy, and deep commitment to IKEA's values to support our ambitious expansion plans, making IKEA even more accessible to the many people in India," Patrik stated.
The announcement comes as Susanne Pulverer, the outgoing Country Retail Manager and Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO), steps down after 28 years with IKEA. Having held leadership roles across three distinct assignments in India over eight years, her departure marks the end of a distinguished tenure. The recruitment process for her successor is currently underway.
IKEA India, which began operations in 2018 with its inaugural store in Hyderabad, has since expanded to Navi Mumbai and Bengaluru. Physical retail outlets in Gurugram and Noida are under development within its new ‘Lykli’ centres in the Delhi-NCR region. Additionally, stores in Chennai and Pune are part of the company’s upcoming roadmap.
In a strategic shift announced earlier this year, IKEA has committed to diversifying its format, introducing smaller store models tailored for emerging urban markets. This move aims to deepen its reach and enhance accessibility for a broader Indian consumer base.
Online operations have also expanded, with IKEA initiating e-commerce services in Delhi-NCR and nine other cities ahead of its physical presence in the region.
As IKEA India advances its localisation efforts and embraces a dynamic omnichannel strategy, Antoni’s leadership is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the brand’s next phase in one of its most promising growth markets.
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