Kingfisher appoints Sebastian Gundel as new CEO
Kingfisher has appointed Sebastian Gundel as its new chief executive officer, effective 1 February 2027.
Gundel has more than two decades of leadership experience in the home improvement sector, including as chief executive of European home improvement retailer OBI, where he has worked since 2012. Prior to that, he served as chief customer and digital officer, leading OBI’s omnichannel transformation and digital innovation agenda, as well as the company’s loyalty and marketplace operations, and the expansion of its trade propositions.
Subscribe to TRBAt the B&Q owner, Gundel will succeed Thierry Garnier, who will remain with the business until 31 December 2026, when he will step down as chief executive and board member. Kingfisher announced in May that Garnier had resigned after nearly seven years in the role.
Meanwhile, Kingfisher chief financial officer Bhavesh Mistry will serve as interim chief executive during January, until Gundel joins, to support a smooth transition.
Claudia Arney, Kingfisher chair, said: “Sebastian combines deep experience in home improvement retail and clear expertise in Kingfisher’s strategic growth drivers with a strong track record of innovation and operational delivery.
“He will build on the significant progress made under Thierry’s leadership while bringing fresh perspectives as we continue to evolve the business. Sebastian has the board’s full support as he leads Kingfisher through its next phase of growth and value creation.”
Garnier said: “It has been an honour to lead Kingfisher, and I am proud of what our teams have achieved together. Sebastian brings deep sector expertise, a strong customer focus and a proven track record of performance. I am confident that he will successfully lead Kingfisher through its next chapter.”
