This strategic move aims to drive growth and enhance the omnichannel retail experience in line with IKEA’s business plan that integrates local priorities with regional strategies.
Mihai Boian Appointed Market Manager for IKEA Baneasa
With over 15 years of experience at IKEA, Mihai Boian has held various roles across Logistics, Sales, and Business Navigation, gaining comprehensive knowledge in retail and leadership. In his new role, Mihai will focus on further developing the well-established IKEA Băneasa store, positioning it as a key growth driver in Romania. He will lead the store’s transformation to meet new retail expectations, particularly in sustainability and digitalization. Mihai’s journey with IKEA began in Logistics, where he developed a deep understanding of the operational backbone of the business. He later transitioned into Sales, taking on multiple roles that helped him understand customer needs and the importance of aligning the company’s capabilities with market trends and consumer preferences.
“I look forward to strengthening IKEA Baneasa customer experience and working to support and inspire our co-workers and bring to life the company’s vision to create a better everyday life at home for the many people,” said Mihai Boian.
Since its opening in 2007, the IKEA Baneasa store has become a cornerstone of the local retail landscape. With 460 co-workers, the store welcomed almost 3 million visitors in FY 2024 and sold 10.6 million products, marking an increase of 5% from 2023.
Silvana Baciu Appointed Market Manager for IKEA Pallady
With over 25 years of experience in retail sales and a background in textile production, Silvana joined IKEA in 2018 as Sales Manager for IKEA Pallady. She quickly demonstrated her capabilities in retail management, taking on key roles such as Customer Experience Manager and Call Center Operational Manager. Starting first semester of this year, Silvana Baciu has been officially appointed as the Market Manager for IKEA Pallady, the largest fulfillment store in Southeast Europe. Silvana’s dynamic leadership and extensive experience within IKEA made her an ideal candidate to oversee the store’s operations. Her experience and customer-oriented perspective are important in boosting the growth and operational efficiency of IKEA Pallady, while enhancing the IKEA retail experience in line with the local market needs.
“(…) My special focus will be on how to renew and improve – I think it is a great driver to move things forward and become better for the people and planet along side with the growth of our market talents,” Silvana said about her new role.
The IKEA Pallady store, which opened in 2019, represents a significant chapter in IKEA’s expansion in Eastern Europe. Spanning 37,000 square meters, it is the largest IKEA store in Southeast Europe and currently employs 585 co-workers. In FY 2024, IKEA Pallady welcomed 2.2 million visitors and sold 7.6 milions products.
IKEA continues to grow its footprint in Romania, this year the company opening the first Plan and order studio in Romania, in Constanta City and continues to grow its local sales. Last financial year revenues at the Romanian outlets grew by 12 per cent, with over 26.5 million sold products contributing to a turnover exceeding 1.4 billion lei. IKEA Romania is committed to creating a better everyday life for the many people by offering a wide range of well-designed, functional home furnishing products at prices so low that as many people as possible can afford them.