B&Q owner Kingfisher names OBI boss as new chief executive

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 13 Oct, 09:44 · Archive

Sebastian Gundel, who leads European DIY chain OBI, will become chief executive of B&Q and Screwfix owner Kingfisher from February 1.

Kingfisher, which owns B&Q and Screwfix, has named Sebastian Gundel as its incoming chief executive from February 1. Gundel currently heads European DIY chain OBI, headquartered in Germany, which operates more than 660 stores and employs 40,000 staff across ten countries. He has led OBI since 2022, having joined the company as head of corporate development in 2012.

Gundel replaces Thierry Garnier, whose departure was announced in May. Garnier is leaving to become chief executive of supermarket group Ahold Delhaize. Chief financial officer Bhavesh Mistry will act as interim chief executive until Gundel takes up the post, to 'support a smooth transition'.

Kingfisher chair Claudia Arney said that Gundel 'combines deep experience in home improvement retail and clear expertise in Kingfisher's strategic growth drivers with a strong track record of innovation and operational delivery'. She added he would 'build on the significant progress made under Thierry's leadership while bringing fresh perspectives as we continue to evolve the business'. Gundel said he had 'long admired the strength and diversity of Kingfisher's retail banners, its scale and its strategic ambition'.

How it is being reported

• B&Q owner Kingfisher names European DIY chain boss as incoming chief executiveSebastian Gundel will take over the top job on February 1, replacing chief executive Thierry Garnier.Independent Business · 13 Oct, 09:18
• B&Q owner Kingfisher names European DIY chain boss as incoming chief executiveSebastian Gundel will take over the top job on February 1, replacing chief executive Thierry Garnier.Evening Standard · 13 Oct, 09:18

In this story: Sebastian Gundel · Thierry Garnier · Kingfisher · OBI · B&Q · Screwfix · Ahold Delhaize

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