KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 1): Ikea Malaysia has appointed Takeshi Murai as its country retail director effective Sept 1.

According to a press statement issued on Tuesday, Murai succeeds Malcolm Pruys, who has led the Malaysian operations since September 2022.

Murai brings nearly two decades of experience within Ikea, having joined the retailer in 2008 in Osaka, Japan, before holding leadership roles in Japan, Sweden and Finland.

He later moved to Malaysia as store manager for Ikea Batu Kawan in 2024 and subsequently assumed responsibility for the retailer's Klang Valley stores.

His tenure begins as Ikea Malaysia prepares to open Ikea Kuching in December 2026, marking its first East Malaysian and small-format concept store.

"Malaysia is a diverse and dynamic market, where the way people live, shop and experience home continues to evolve. As I take on this role, I want to stay curious and open to understanding how people really live at home," said Murai in the statement.

He noted that opening Ikea Kuching later this year will bring the physical store experience closer to customers in Sabah and Sarawak who have shopped with the brand for years.

Pruys led the company through its 30th anniversary in 2026 and oversaw initiatives including price reductions on over 2,000 essential items and expanding omni-channel delivery access.

Under Pruys' leadership, all Ikea restaurants, cafés and bistros nationwide obtained Jakim halal certification.

Pruys also oversaw the Ikea curry puff entering the Malaysia Book of Records after selling 8.6 million pieces in a single year.