Ikea Kuching To Be First Milestone For Newly-appointed Country Retail Director

KUCHING (Sept 1): Ikea Malaysia has appointed Takeshi Murai as its country retail director, effective September 1, 2026.

Murai succeeds Malcolm Pruys, who has led the Malaysia business since September 2022.

The appointment comes as Ikea Malaysia enters its next phase of growth following its 30th anniversary this year, with continued focus on affordability, omnichannel experiences and bringing Ikea closer to more people.

One of Murai’s first major milestones will be the opening of Ikea Kuching in December 2026, which will be Ikea Malaysia’s first store in East Malaysia and its first small-format store.

Murai brings nearly two decades of the Ikea experience across Asia and Europe.

He joined Ikea in Osaka, Japan, in 2008 and subsequently held retail and market leadership roles in Japan, Sweden and Finland.

He joined Ikea Malaysia as store manager of Ikea Batu Kawan in 2024 before taking on responsibility for the IKEA Klang Valley stores.

Malaysia is a diverse and dynamic market, where the way people live, shop and experience home continues to evolve said Murai.

“As I take on this role, I want to stay curious and open to understanding how people really live at home.

This will remain fundamental to keeping Ikea relevant to the needs of Malaysians, while we look for more ways to make our products and experiences seamlessly affordable and accessible across our stores and digital channels,” Murai said.

He said the opening of Ikea Kuching would be an important part of the company’s next phase.

“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, who led Ikea Malaysia for four years, said he was proud of the company’s progress in staying close to the realities of everyday life in Malaysia.

“It has been a privilege to lead Ikea Malaysia and to work alongside so many passionate co-workers over the past four years.

“What I am most proud of is how we have continued to stay close to the realities of everyday life in Malaysia and keep evolving with the needs of our customers,”he said.

Pruys said Murai was well positioned to lead Ikea Malaysia into its next phase.

“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.

“I am very pleased to hand over the leadership to him and confident he will continue building on the foundation we have created together,” he said.

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