The chief executive of Kingfisher, the parent company of B&Q and Screwfix, has announced his departure after nearly seven years to lead the Netherlands-based supermarket group Ahold Delhaize.
Leadership Transition at Kingfisher
Thierry Garnier, who joined Kingfisher in September 2019, will step down from his role, though an exact departure date has not been confirmed. The group stated that he has a 12-month notice period and will remain in position while a successor is sought. Ahold Delhaize confirmed that Garnier is expected to replace outgoing president and CEO Frans Muller around the time of its annual general meeting in April 2027.
Garnier described his tenure as a “real privilege,” noting that he oversees Kingfisher’s portfolio, which includes B&Q and Screwfix in the UK, as well as European home improvement brands such as Brico Depot and Castorama. He stated: “I remain focused on continuing to execute on our strategic plans with all my energies, so as to leave Kingfisher in the best possible shape for the future, and I look forward to ensuring a successful transition to my successor in due course.”
Challenges and Achievements
Garnier took the helm just before the Covid-19 pandemic struck, at a time when Kingfisher was closing stores and grappling with declining profits. His predecessor, Veronique Laury, had implemented a lengthy and drastic overhaul that impacted the company’s performance. Garnier’s initial priorities included fixing IT and supply chain issues in France and halting certain initiatives to reverse sales declines.
Under his leadership, the group navigated the pandemic and experienced a surge in demand for home improvement products during lockdowns, followed by volatile trading in subsequent years. Claudia Arney, chair of Kingfisher, praised his tenure: “During his tenure, Thierry has overseen the launch and progress of our ‘Powered by Kingfisher’ strategy, led the company through the Covid-19 pandemic and driven many strategic innovations such as the launch of Kingfisher’s marketplaces and the development of our trade business, while also executing at pace on all our priorities. Under his leadership, Kingfisher has become a leading home improvement group underpinned by strong banners across the UK and Europe.”
Wiebe Draijer, chair of the supervisory board of Ahold Delhaize, described Garnier as a “seasoned leader with a strong track record in retail, digital transformation, deep international experience, and a clear focus on customers, associates and the future of grocery retail.”
