DIYWEEK.net

Kingfisher has announced a number of senior appointments across the business, with former Screwfix CEO, Graham Bell taking up the helm of B&Q UK & Ireland, as Christian Mazauric looks set to take up top spot in Kingfisher France.

The international home improvement revealed that current B&Q boss Christian Mazauric has been appointed CEO of Kingfisher in France to replace Marc Tenart who has decided to step down from his role.

The move, which becomes effective on October 1, has set in motion a number of other changes across senior management. Mr Mazauric, who will be succeeded by Graham Bell, has worked at Kingfisher for 17 years, holding a number of positions across Castorama France, including operational roles and then four years as finance director. Other roles within the Kingfisher business have included finance director of B&Q UK & Ireland and CEO of Brico Dépôt Romania. Christian took over the CEO role at B&Q UK & Ireland in 2017 and, since then, has successfully led the business through a significant number of changes.

Screwfix CEO Graham Bell will be replaced by Kingfisher group digital director John Mewett. Mr Bell has spent 20 years at Kingfisher, during which time he has held several senior roles, including B&Q operations director and HR director. He made the move to Screwfix in 2006, where he led Operations and Property before his appointment to CEo last year. At Screwfix, he has overseen the rapid roll-out of the Screwfix stores network, opening 60 stores a year, on average, for the past five years.

Meanwhile, Screwfix’s new boss, John Mewett has spent 10 years with the Kingfisher business, starting his career at Screwfix in 2008 as marketing and IT director. During this time he played a significant role in Screwfix’s growth and, most recently, has been leveraging Screwfix’s digital capability across the group in his role as group digital director.

Commenting on the changes CEO of Kingfisher plc Véronique Laury said: “Christian, Graham and John are all highly experienced Kingfisher leaders who truly embody our ONE Kingfisher values. They are proven operators who are already playing instrumental roles in our transformation.  I am delighted that we have the depth of talent to promote from within the company and therefore provide the continuity, stability and leadership for our colleagues whilst we continue our transformation journey.”

She added: “Marc Tenart has been a valued and respected colleague and leader. I would like to personally thank Marc for all the energy and diligence he has displayed in all that he has done.”