Ikea franchisee Ingka Group announces appointment of Erika Intiso as new Chief Sustainability Officer
Ingka Group, the largest franchisee and operator of Ikea stores worldwide, 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.
Most recently, Intiso served as Country Retail Manager for Ikea in the Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovakia, where her responsibilities included leading the sustainability agenda across the three markets.
Pflug has served as Chief Sustainability Officer since 2021. Highlights have included 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.
Ulrika Biesèrt, Group People, Sustainability and Communication Manager, Ingka Group, comments: “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.”
Intiso, pictured below, says: “Working across the Ikea value chain has proven to me that sustainability is a powerful engine for business growth. I know firsthand 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 maximize our positive impact.”
2026 RTIH Innovation Awards
Sustainable retail will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.
The awards, which celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world, have now closed for entries. Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.
Check out our 2026 shortlists and finalists here.
We received a record number of entries this year and many fantastic examples of technology excellence driving transformative change across the global retail sector.
Congratulations to all those who made it through the initial submission process! It’s now over to our star studded judging panel who will decide the winners to be announced at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London.
The event will be held on Wednesday, 4th November and consist of a drinks reception, three course meal, awards ceremony presided over by award winning stand-up comedian, presenter, actor and broadcaster, Aurie Styla, and after party until 1am.
Click here to book your place at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, 4th November.
