IKEA has announced its first recruit for its flagship New Zealand store.
The Swedish retail giant is currently constructing its inaugural store in Auckland's Sylvia Park, and today named Johanna Cederlöf in the role of market manager.
IKEA Aotearoa New Zealand said that Cederlöf would be responsible for running the store and will play an "instrumental role" in establishing the brand in New Zealand.
Cederlöf started working at IKEA in Finland in 2011, becoming a store manager in 2017 before moving to Austria to become a market manager for a store in Vienna.
She said that she is thrilled for the opportunity to establish IKEA in New Zealand.
"I can't wait to immerse myself in a country with such a rich culture, people and values, to see how both our brand and home furnishing solutions can make the best impact from day one."
The appointment is a dream come true for Cederlöf.
"When I joined IKEA in 2011, I was asked, what I want to do in 10 years' time? I said I wanted to be a market manager and when they asked where, I answered 'if IKEA ever opens a store in New Zealand, I want to lead it'."
IKEA Sylvia Park is slated to open in late-2025.
The store will be a three-level, 34,000sq metre development with ground-floor car parking.
As well as selling furniture, the store is expected to feature a restaurant selling IKEA's famous meatballs and hotdogs.
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