Kingfisher Names European DIY Chain Boss as New CEO
The B&Q and Screwfix owner said Gundel brings home-improvement experience as Thierry Garnier departs after nearly seven years.
- Kingfisher named OBI chief Sebastian Gundel as its next chief executive, effective February 1, succeeding Thierry Garnier, who departs at year-end.
- Chief financial officer Bhavesh Mistry will serve as interim CEO until February 1 to "support a smooth transition" following a five-month search for Garnier's replacement.
- Gundel has led Germany-headquartered OBI since 2022, overseeing more than 660 stores and 40,000 staff across 10 countries including Germany.
- Kingfisher Chair Claudia Arney praised Gundel's "clear expertise in Kingfisher's strategic growth drivers," while Garnier led the company for nearly seven years.
- Gundel said he has "long admired the strength and diversity" of Kingfisher's retail banners, aiming to pursue opportunities in digital, services, and trade.
17 Articles
17 Articles
Kingfisher hires new CEO from OBI - RetailDetail EU
Kingfisher has found a successor for Thierry Garnier, who is leaving to join Ahold Delhaize. The group behind B&Q and Screwfix in the United Kingdom and Castorama and Brico Depot in France is bringing in OBI CEO Sebastian Gundel as its new top executive.
The German hobby store chain OBI is unexpectedly losing its boss. Sebastian Gundel, who led the company for the past four years, is moving to one of its largest European competitors. He will become CEO of the British group Kingfisher from February. His departure comes at a sensitive time when...
Sebastian Gundel will lead the Kingfisher Group. He most recently served as CEO of the OBI DIY supermarket chain.
B&Q parent appoints new CEO - Big Furniture Group
Kingfisher plc, owner of home improvement retailer B&Q, has announced the appointment of Sebastian Gundel as Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 February 2027. Sebastian, who will join Kingfisher’s Board of Directors on the same date, brings more than two decades of leadership experience in the home improvement sector, including as Chief Executive Officer of European […]
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 60% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
