Sporting goods firm JJB Sports has announced the appointment of Kate Hayes as its trading director, starting on 1 November.

Hayes joins JJB from UK fashion firm Ben Sherman where she has been international retail director. She will form part of a new operating board at JJB that also includes retail director Ron Rome and HR and training director Paul Mitford.

Before joining Ben Sherman, Hayes worked at NIKE for eight years – initially as European buying and merchandising directors and latterly, after a short spell at Tesco.com, as Nike’s UK retail director.

JJB chief executive Keith Jones said: “I am delighted that Kate has agreed to join the business. Kate’s experience in the sportswear market will be a great asset as we continue to strengthen our senior management team and drive the turnaround of JJB Sports. Kate will lead improvements in our product offer to customers, develop strengthened relationships with key suppliers and partners, and manage closely the company’s stock.”