B&Q and Screwfix parent company Kingfisher has appointed OBI boss Sebastian Gundel as its new chief executive, replacing Thierry Garnier, who is leaving to lead supermarket giant Ahold Delhaize.
Gundel will take the helm on 1 February 2027 and join the retailer’s board on the same date, bringing more than 20 years of experience in the home improvement sector.
He joins from German DIY giant OBI, which operates more than 660 stores across 10 European countries, where he has served as chief executive since 2022.
During his time at OBI, Gundel oversaw the retailer’s shift towards omnichannel shopping, expanding its digital operations, loyalty offering and services for trade customers.
He previously served as the company’s chief customer and digital officer, leading the launch of its heyOBI digital platform, which has grown to more than 10 million registered users.
His appointment comes as Kingfisher pushes further into online marketplaces, digital services and trade sales across its B&Q, Screwfix, Castorama and Brico Dépôt businesses.
The retailer has made progress in those areas under Garnier, with its latest half-year results showing a 42 per cent jump in marketplace sales to £372m and a 16 per cent rise in trade sales excluding Screwfix.
Kingfisher also upgraded its full-year profit guidance last month after adjusted pre-tax profits rose 9.9 per cent to £404m, supported by a particularly strong performance from Screwfix, where like-for-like sales climbed 5.6 per cent.
Gundel will inherit a business that has been growing profits despite a subdued home improvement market, although reviving sales growth across its wider European estate remains a priority.
Kingfisher chair Claudia Arney said: “Sebastian 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.
“He will build on the significant progress made under Thierry’s leadership while bringing fresh perspectives as we continue to evolve the business.”
Gundel said he was looking forward to taking charge of the group as the home improvement market continues to change.
“I have long admired the strength and diversity of Kingfisher’s retail banners, its scale and its strategic ambition.
“The industry is evolving rapidly, creating significant opportunities across trade, digital, marketplaces, services and new customer propositions.”
The appointment brings an end to the search for Garnier’s successor, which began in May when the French executive announced plans to leave after nearly seven years in charge.
Garnier, who joined Kingfisher in 2019 following more than two decades at Carrefour, is set to become chief executive of Dutch-Belgian supermarket group Ahold Delhaize, the owner of Albert Heijn and US grocery chains including Food Lion and Stop & Shop.
He will remain at Kingfisher until 31 December, with chief financial officer Bhavesh Mistry stepping in as interim CEO throughout January before Gundel takes over.
Arney will also remain as chair until Kingfisher’s 2029 annual general meeting to provide continuity during the leadership change.
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