Ingka Group, the largest IKEA retailer, has appointed Erika Intiso as its new chief sustainability officer, effective 15th November. She succeeds Karen Pflug, who will remain with Ingka Group until the end of the year, working alongside Erika to ensure a smooth transition.
Erika brings extensive leadership experience from across the IKEA value chain, spanning retail, commercial development and business transformation. Most recently, she has served as country retail manager for IKEA in the Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovakia, where her responsibilities have included leading the sustainability agenda across the three markets.
In her new role, Erika will lead Ingka Group’s sustainability agenda, building on the work already under way to further integrate sustainability into business decisions and operations. She will report to Ulrika Biesert, group people, sustainability and communication manager.
Ulrika says: “Sustainability is integrated into how we operate and develop our business. Erika brings extensive experience from across IKEA and a proven track record of advancing sustainability while delivering business results. As we take the next leap in integrating sustainability across our business, her leadership will be instrumental in driving further action. I am excited to welcome Erika into this role and look forward to continuing to demonstrate our belief that it is good business to be a good business.“
Erika comments: “Working across the IKEA value chain has proven to me that sustainability is a powerful engine for business growth. I know first-hand how vital it is to translate our ambitions into tangible actions that benefit our customers, co-workers, and communities. I am excited to build on our strong momentum, accelerate our progress, and maximise our positive impact.”
Erika succeeds Karen Pflug, who has served as chief sustainability officer since 2021. During Karen’s five years in the role, Ingka Group has made progress in integrating sustainability into its business and everyday operations. This includes expanding circular services such as Buyback & Resell, matching 94.8% of its electricity consumption with renewable electricity sourcing in FY25, and achieving a 70.6% reduction in absolute emissions from its own operations (Scope 1 and 2) compared to FY16.
The company has also increased the use of zero-tailpipe-emission vehicles for home deliveries, worked to reduce food waste and improve energy efficiency, and supported more than 4,300 refugees through its Skills for Employment initiative since 2019.
“I want to thank Karen for the important contribution she has made over the past five years. She has played a key role in shaping our sustainability work and leaves a strong foundation that we can continue to build on,” Ulrika concludes.
