Karen Pflug joined Ingka Group as Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) in August 2021. In this role, she leads the sustainability centre of expertise which supports the company to deliver towards the ambitious commitments set out in the IKEA People and Planet Positive strategy.

Throughout her career, Karen has led major business transformation and change initiatives, with a strong emphasis on innovation, sustainable design and retail. Prior to joining Ingka Group, Karen was CEO of Ikano Insight, UK, and Global Quality Manager at Range & Supply, Inter IKEA Group. She has held a range of senior leadership roles in fashion and sportswear brands such as Nike, Reebok, Triumph International and Australian sportswear brand Skins.

Karen holds a first class BSc in Textile Design and Design Management from the University of Manchester. Born in the UK, Karen has lived in many countries including New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong and Sweden.

She is a keen sportswoman and lover of the outdoors, with particular passions for cycling and kayaking. She currently lives in the Netherlands with her husband, daughter and son.