IKEA’s transformation

IKEA is a giant in the retail world–with annual sales of over $48 billion, it is ranked as the most valuable furniture retail brand in the world and the 4th most valuable brand in the world in Kantar’s annual survey. When most of Ikea’s global retail locations closed temporarily in 2020 during the pandemic, e-commerce became the cornerstone of the business. Online sales shot up by 10% nearly overnight and now constitute 16% of IKEA’s overall sales. This sudden shift was possible, in part, thanks to a digital transition that had already been underway for several years, one of the biggest transformations in the company’s 78-year-history.

Barbara Coppola

This evolution was led by INSEAD alum Barbara Martin Coppola, who had previously worked at Google and Samsung. Barbara was hired in 2018 as the company’s first-ever Chief Digital Officer to head the digital transition, using data and technology to modernize everything from IKEA’s supply chains, to its stores, to the way its staff works.

Barbara has a background in both music and engineering and has a successful track-record in growing and transforming businesses. Barbara holds an INSEAD MBA from 2005 and was named NAA Denmark INSEADer of the year in 2020.

Event Program 

1830-1900: Arrival and networking

1900-2000: Keynote address by Barbara Coppola, IKEA Chief Digital Officer

2000-2100: Networking with canapes and wine

When: Tuesday 30 November 2021, 18:30

Where: København

Price: NAA Members entry 300DKK. Members may bring 1 Guest. Guest entry is 350DKK.

Non-members entry 400DKK. Note: Canapes and wine will be served.  (You can check your membership status or sign up for membership via myINSEAD).

Please email us for registration details