IKEA US Commercial Chief Antonella Pucarelli on People-First Leadership
In this episode of Women in Retail Talks, Women in Retail Leadership Circle Co-Founder Melissa Campanelli interviews Antonella Pucarelli, chief commercial officer of IKEA U.S., a subsidiary of the Ingka Group. Listen in as Pucarelli shares her journey to joining IKEA, starting from interest sparked during her university days (1:30), and what has led to her almost 28-year-long career at the company (2:30). She delves into how her global experiences have shaped her leadership style (3:10) and learning to give her team room to grow and develop (5:20).
In addition, Pucarelli discusses IKEA’s commitment to a people-first culture (7:25); its digital transformation initiatives, including the launch of a Spanish language site to cater to the diverse U.S. market (10:30); and integrating artificial intelligence into the business (13:05). Lastly, she shares how she champions rising female talent at IKEA (15:20) and offers her advice for aspiring women leaders to cultivate self-awareness, confidence, and leveraging networks to advance their careers (17:45).
Antonella Pucarelli is a dynamic and passionate leader with extensive experience in the retail and design industries. Since June 2019, she has been serving as chief commercial officer for Ikea U.S., overseeing Marketing, Customer Experience, Home Furnishing and Retail Design, and Consumer and Customer Insights. Her goal is to strengthen IKEA’s brand positioning and drive growth in the U.S. market by designing an omnichannel experience that is a unique and personalized journey for American customers. Prior to her current role, she served as chief operating officer of IKEA Spain from 2015 to 2019.
Antonella’s career began with a strong foundation in architecture and interior design, having studied at the Polytechnic University of Milan. She has carried her love for design throughout her journey with IKEA, which has included various roles in IKEA Italy, IKEA Spain, and at Ingka Global. She is a curious and lifelong learner, constantly seeking new knowledge and experiences to fuel her passion for design, retail and business.
Date: September 16, 2025
Credits: Antonella Pucarelli
Duration: 20:24
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