IKEA Malaysia Appoints Takeshi Murai As Country Retail Director
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 1 (Bernama) -- IKEA Malaysia has appointed Takeshi Murai as its country retail director, effective today, succeeding Malcolm Pruys, who has led the Malaysia business since September 2022.
The home furnishing retailer said the appointment comes as it enters its next phase of growth, focusing on affordability, stronger omnichannel experiences and expanding its reach.
“Murai’s first major milestones will be the opening of IKEA Kuching in December 2026, IKEA Malaysia’s first store in East Malaysia and its first small-format store,” it said in a statement.
Murai, who has nearly two decades of IKEA experience across Asia and Europe, joined the company in Osaka, Japan, in 2008 before taking on retail and market leadership roles in Japan, Sweden and Finland.
He moved to Malaysia in 2024 as store manager of IKEA Batu Kawan, overseeing retail operations and customer experience, before subsequently taking responsibility for IKEA’s Klang Valley stores.
Murai said understanding how Malaysians live would remain fundamental to keeping IKEA relevant to their needs in his new role, as the company looks for more ways to make its products and experiences affordable and accessible across its stores and digital channels.
“Opening IKEA Kuching later this year is an important part of that journey. For the first time, we will bring the physical IKEA store experience to East Malaysia, closer to customers who have known and shopped with us for years.
“I am excited about what lies ahead and the opportunity to continue growing IKEA Malaysia together with our co-workers, customers and communities,” he said.
Pruys said he was proud of how IKEA Malaysia had continued to evolve with its customers’ needs during his four-year tenure.
“As IKEA Malaysia moves into its next chapter, I believe the business is in a strong position to keep growing in ways that are relevant, accessible and meaningful. Takeshi knows IKEA, he knows Malaysia, and most importantly, he understands that everything we do starts with the many people and how they live at home,” he said.
-- BERNAMA