Kingfisher names new chief executive of B&Q
DIY retail group Kingfisher has appointed Michael Loeve as the chief executive for B&Q UK and Ireland.
Loeve will join B&Q from the Danish retail chain Coop Danmark where he is group retail director with responsibility for five retail formats, including Irma, Kvickly and Fakta.
With 12 years’ experience of senior roles in retail operations, supply chain, IT and strategy, his previous positions include managing director of SuperBrugsen, which is part of Coop Danmark and has 250 stores.
Kingfisher said Loeve has a strong track record of leading successful business transformation.
Véronique Laury, Kingfisher chief executive, added: “As we announced as part of our strategic update in March, we are moving at pace with our ‘One’ Kingfisher plan to create a single, unified company where customer needs come first.
“I am delighted to welcome Michael to Kingfisher. He is an experienced retailer who will form an important part of the new diverse international team we are putting together at Kingfisher. I look forward to working with him.”
In his new role, Loeve will report to Guy Colleau who is Kingfisher’s operations director for big box.
Loeve said: “Home improvement is a great market with huge potential and B&Q has a strong position within it, however there is more that we can do to maximise its strengths. With a better and more unique offer at good prices where customer needs come first, all backed by the scale of a unified Kingfisher, we will transform and grow B&Q, helping our customers to have better homes and better lives.”
