Ikea Malaysia has appointed Takeshi Murai as its country retail director, effective today, succeeding Malcolm Pruys, who has led the Malaysia business since September 2022.
The home furnishing retailer said the appointment comes as it enters its next phase of growth, with a focus on affordability, stronger omnichannel experiences and expanding its overall market reach.
Country Retail Director of Ikea Malaysia – Takeshi Murai.
“Murai’s first major milestones will be the opening of Ikea Kuching in December 2026, Ikea Malaysia’s first store in East Malaysia and its first small-format store,” the company said in a statement, signalling an important expansion for the retailer in the coming months.
Murai, who brings nearly two decades of Ikea experience across Asia and Europe, joined the company in Osaka, Japan, in 2008, before going on to take on various retail and market leadership roles in Japan, Sweden and Finland.
He relocated to Malaysia in 2024, initially serving as store manager of Ikea Batu Kawan, where he oversaw retail operations and customer experience, before subsequently taking on responsibility for Ikea’s stores across the Klang Valley.
Murai said understanding how Malaysians live would remain fundamental to keeping Ikea relevant to their needs in his new role, as the company continues to look for ways to make its products and experiences more affordable and accessible across both its physical stores and digital channels.
“Opening Ikea Kuching later this year is an important part of that journey. 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, reflecting on his four-year tenure, said he was proud of how Ikea Malaysia had continued to evolve alongside its customers’ changing needs.
“As Ikea Malaysia moves into its next chapter, I believe the business is in a strong position to keep growing in ways that are relevant, accessible and meaningful. 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,” he said.
