IKEA Chief Criticizes Slow Decision-Making & Bureaucracy

Ingka Group CEO Juvencio Maeztu has publicly stated that the furniture retail giant has develop into too slow and bureaucratic, signaling a potential shift in strategy for the IKEA franchisee.

“We need to make decisions more simply and quickly. We have too many layers of management, we are too slow,” Maeztu reportedly said, according to a report originating in Lithuania. The assessment comes as Ingka Group, which operates 394 IKEA stores in 31 countries, navigates a rapidly changing retail landscape and increasing competition.

Maeztu officially began his tenure as CEO and President of Ingka Group on November 5, 2025, succeeding Jesper Brodin, who transitioned into an advisory role, according to Business Chief. Prior to assuming the top position, Maeztu served as Deputy CEO and CFO for seven years, building on a career with IKEA spanning over two decades. His experience includes leadership roles in Spain, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and India, where he served as CEO for over six years before relocating to the Netherlands.

The call for streamlining comes as Ingka Group continues to emphasize affordability and sustainability as core tenets of its business model. Maeztu, an economist with an MBA from IESE Business School, has consistently highlighted the importance of balancing profitability with a commitment to “doing what’s right for business, people and the planet,” as stated in his official Ingka Group biography.

The assessment of internal processes suggests a potential re-evaluation of Ingka Group’s organizational structure. Even as specific plans for change have not been publicly disclosed, Maeztu’s comments indicate a desire to accelerate decision-making and reduce administrative hurdles. This shift could impact various aspects of the company’s operations, from product development and supply chain management to store operations and customer service.

Ingka Group is the largest IKEA franchisee, operating independently from the IKEA brand owner Inter IKEA Group. The company’s performance is a key indicator of the overall health of the IKEA business, and Maeztu’s leadership is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future of the retail giant.