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B&Q head is new Kingfisher CEO

Monday, January 28th, 2008

One of the UK’s largest DIY businesses has appointed a new boss – and it’s someone close to home.

Kingfisher Plc, the DIY giant that owns B&Q, Screwfix and Trade Depot, has appointed Ian Cheshire as its chief executive officer.

Formerly the chief Executive of B&Q, he starts his new job with its parent company today.

This follows the announcement on November 1 2007 that Gerry Murphy was to stand down after five years in the job.

The new CEO’s job will include the task of reversing a sales decline at B&Q, currently the UK’s largest home improvements chain.

Since he took the reins at the company, he has instigated big changes there.

Kingfisher says that a third of B&Q’s large stores are now trading successfully in a modern format and more than 60 per cent of product ranges have been renewed.

It says Mr Cheshire “will continue to work closely with the B&Q management team to ensure the momentum behind its renewal programme continues.”

The company has now started a search for a new managing director for that company.