Management revamp aims to lift B&Q sales
New chief exec for DIY chain
Kingfisher has announced a change of chief executive at its flagship B&Q chain in a move aimed at reviving flagging sales.
Ian Cheshire, previously chief executive, international and development for B&Q, is taking over the chief executive role. Rob Cissell, the current chief executive, is moving to the post of chief executive, commercial and development.
Kingfisher said that Cissel’s new role gives him responsibility for the group’s strategic supplier management programme and private label development. He replaces George Adams, who will concentrate exclusively on developing Kingfisher’s UK Trade business.
Gerry Murphy, group chief executive, said: “Today’s internal appointments are about applying the strength and depth of talented retail management at Kingfisher to today’s challenges and opportunities. Ian, Rob and George has each made a huge contribution to Kingfisher’s success over the years and I look forward to more progress in their new roles.
“Ian has led Kingfisher’s rapid expansion across eight countries in Europe and Asia. His strategic leadership and diverse operational experience will be extremely relevant to B&Q’s continuing evolution as UK market leader. He also brings to B&Q fresh perspectives on home improvement retail trends in some of the world’s most dynamic markets.
“George has successfully established Kingfisher’s global SSM programme and he can now focus exclusively on launching Kingfisher’s new UK Trade format and on expanding Screwfix Direct.
“Rob brings a wealth of commercial and retail management experience to his new role as well as real flair for retail innovation. At B&Q he has accelerated the introduction of new products and development of store formats, not least the strong progress in mini-Warehouse revamping and development of the new Warehouse format.
“In his new role, he will help fulfil Kingfisher’s potential as a truly international retailer, leveraging its unique diversity, as well as its scale.”
Last week, Kingfisher reported a 2.8 per cent sales decline at B&Q for the three months to the end of April, with like-for-like sales down by 7.7 per cent. Retail data from the CBI this week showed that the downturn in UK consumer confidence has hit the furniture and DIY sector particularly hard.
The company’s first B&Q trade-only outlet will open in Southampton later this year, a conversion of a B&Q Warehouse format store. The trade business will operate independently of the main B&Q chain, and other stores are being considered for conversion.
