Ikea Retail has appointed Burce Gültekin as its new chief data and analytics officer, succeeding Francesco Marzoni, who departs after more than four years in the role. Gültekin joins from FrieslandCampina, a Dutch multinational dairy cooperative, where she most recently served as chief information officer and chief data and analytics officer, leading data and technology strategies focused on growth and optimisation.

Gültekin began her tenure at FrieslandCampina in 2020 as global director of data and analytics, where she was responsible for driving the company’s data-driven strategy, with an emphasis on data democratisation and fostering a culture of data citizenship to enhance competitive advantage.

Prior to this, she spent over nine years at financial services company NN, joining in 2013 as head of international customer experience and later being promoted to head of data and analytics in 2017.

In this capacity, she defined customer-centric strategies, conducted digital and data assessments, and developed digital strategies and roadmaps for NN International at both global and local levels.

In her new role at Ikea Retail, Gültekin will assume the responsibilities of her predecessor, ensuring continuity while bringing her own experience and leadership approach to the position. Ikea Retail, in a statement, underscored the growing importance of data-driven decision-making as a core element of its sustainability and business transformation agenda.

Parag Parekh, chief digital officer of Ikea Retail, commented: “By combining her expertise in analytics with the strategic scope of her new role, Burce will ensure that Ingka’s work on climate, circularity, and responsible growth is underpinned by actionable insights and innovation. Burce is known for her strategic vision, customer-first mindset, and her ability to build trust across teams, qualities that will be central as she steps into this new leadership role.”

Ikea Retail currently operates 574 customer meeting places, including 400 Ikea stores of various sizes and 174 design and ordering points. In fiscal year 2024, the retailer reported 729 million visits to its stores and 3.1 billion online visits, generating retail sales of €39.6 billion.

Ikea Retail is the core business of Ingka Group, the largest Ikea franchisee and retailer, managing most Ikea stores and digital solutions in 31 countries, and accounting for approximately 90 per cent of Ikea’s total retail sales.

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