IKEA Malaysia has appointed Takeshi Murai as Country Retail Director effective Sept 1, 2026, as the home furnishing retailer prepares to expand its footprint and strengthen its omnichannel offering.
He succeeds Malcolm Pruys, who had led the Malaysia business since September 2022.
Murai, who has nearly two decades of IKEA experience across Asia and Europe, will lead the company’s next phase of growth with a focus on affordability, accessibility and a more seamless customer experience across physical stores and digital channels.
One of his first major priorities will be the opening of IKEA Kuching in December 2026, which will mark the retailer’s first store in East Malaysia and its first small-format outlet in the country.
“As I take on this role, I want to stay curious and open to understanding how people really live at home,” Murai said, adding that keeping IKEA relevant to Malaysian households would remain central as the company looks for more ways to make its products and experiences affordable and accessible.
Murai joined IKEA in Osaka in 2008 and later held retail and market leadership roles in Japan, Sweden and Finland. He moved to Malaysia in 2024 as Store Manager of IKEA Batu Kawan before taking responsibility for the Klang Valley stores.
IKEA Malaysia said affordability will remain a core pillar of its strategy, supported by efforts to improve functionality, sustainability and convenience while responding to changing household needs and shopping behaviour.
