Ingka Group, the world's largest IKEA retailer, has appointed Juvencio Maeztu as its new CEO and president, marking the first time the company has named a non-Swedish executive to this position. Jesper Brodin, who has served as CEO for eight years, will step down in November. Maeztu, a Spanish executive and former deputy CEO, will take over leadership of the company that owns the majority of IKEA stores globally. This leadership transition highlights Ingka Group's ongoing focus on innovation and international consolidation as it moves further into the 21st century.