B&Q has announced the appointment of ex-Asda marketing director Katherine Paterson. She will join the board later this year as marketing director.
A B&Q spokesperson has confirmed to DIY Week that current marketing director Warren Scarr will remain with the business but that his job function may change once Ms Paterson takes up her role. Mr Scarr took up the role after the departure of Jo Kenrick at the end of 2008 - the last time the board included a marketing representative.

Commenting on the appointment B&Q and Kingfisher UK ceo Euan Sutherland said: "We're looking forward to Katherine joining us at such an exciting time in B&Q's evolution when our strategy is all about making it easier for our customers. Marketing plays a vital role in this - making it easier for customers to turn their ideas into reality will grow demand for the future."

Ms Paterson has spent the last nine years at Asda and before that worked for Mars. A statement from B&Q flags up her experience in format development, reinforcing speculation that B&Q is considering new retail models, including, perhaps, a smaller, high-street-friendly concept.

The statement continues: "As a DIY enthusiast, she is looking forward to the challenge of a new retail sector and aims to take up her position at the earliest opportunity." - later this year or early next, according to DIY Week's source.