LONDON: Kingfisher plc announced Wednesday that Sebastian Gundel will become chief executive officer, effective Feb. 1, 2027. He will join the company’s board of directors on the same date.

Gundel brings more than two decades of leadership experience in the home improvement sector, most recently as CEO of European retailer OBI. During his tenure, he led the company’s transformation from a traditional retailer into a digitally enabled, customer-centric omnichannel business.

OBI operates more than 660 stores and employs 40,000 people across 10 countries, including its home market of Germany.

Gundel joined OBI in 2012 as head of corporate development. He later served as managing director for customer officer and marketing, and established the company’s innovation hub, OBI Next, where he developed growth platforms including loyalty programs, retail media, marketplaces and home services.

From 2020, he served as chief customer and digital officer, leading the launch of the heyOBI ecosystem, which has grown to more than 10 million registered users.

In 2017, he became country manager for Austria, where he integrated the acquired Baumax business and expanded OBI Austria from about 15 stores to 70.

Before joining OBI, Gundel spent three years at OC&C Strategy Consultants, advising consumer and retail businesses on growth and transformation. He holds a doctorate in business administration and economics from the University of Münster.

Claudia Arney, chair of Kingfisher, said the board was delighted to appoint Gundel following a thorough selection process.

“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,” Arney said.

Gundel said he has long admired Kingfisher’s retail banners, scale and strategic ambition.

“The industry is evolving rapidly, creating significant opportunities across trade, digital, marketplaces, services and new customer propositions,” he said.

Outgoing CEO Thierry Garnier will remain in the role until Dec. 31, 2026, when he will step down as CEO and board member. Chief Financial Officer Bhavesh Mistry will serve as interim CEO during January to support a smooth transition.

Arney will continue as chair until the company’s 2029 annual general meeting.

Garnier said it had been an honor to lead Kingfisher and that he was confident Gundel would successfully lead the company through its next chapter.

Gundel’s remuneration package is in line with Kingfisher’s remuneration policy, with further details to be disclosed in the 2026/27 annual report.