Clare Chapman, currently director general of Workforce, for the NHS and Social Care, to take up role.
In her current position, Ms Chapman is responsible for a workforce of more than two million people. Previous to her appointment in 2007, she was group HR director of Tesco plc HR vice president of Pepsi Cola's West and Central European operations. She is also a non-executive director of TUI Travel plc and chairman of its remuneration committee.

Commenting on the appointment, Kingfisher group chief executive Ian Cheshire said: "I am delighted to welcome Clare to Kingfisher, where her experience in talent management and people development will be invaluable. With over 80,000 employees in eight countries Kingfisher already has a wealth of talent. Clare's human resources background in large, international retail and consumer groups, as well as her more recent experience in the NHS, will help us make the most of our potential as we seek to take Kingfisher to the next stage of its development."

Kingfisher chairman, said: "Retailing is a people business so I am sure Kingfisher will benefit enormously from Clare's experience as we grow our business around the world. Clare's appointment will further strengthen our board, which already includes directors from Carrefour, Ikea and Apple. I look forward to working with her."