Kingfisher raids European home improvement retailer OBI to bring in Sebastian Gundel as its new CEO
Kingfisher, which owns B&Q and Screwfix in the UK and Castorama and Brico Depot in France and other markets, has announced the appointment of Sebastian Gundel as Chief Executive Officer, effective 1st February 2027. He will join Kingfisher’s board of directors on the same date.
He brings more than two decades of leadership experience in the home improvement sector, including as Chief Executive Officer at European retailer OBI, where he led the company's evolution from traditional retail to a digitally enabled, customer centric, omnichannel business.
Prior to becoming CEO, he served as Chief Customer & Digital Officer, leading OBI's omnichannel transformation and digital innovation agenda. His responsibilities spanned loyalty, marketplaces and ecosystem development, as well as the expansion of trade propositions.
Claudia Arney, Chair, says: “Following a thorough selection process, the board is delighted to appoint Sebastian as Chief Executive Officer. 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 Garnier’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.”
Gundel says: “It is a privilege to be appointed Chief Executive Officer of Kingfisher. I have long admired the strength and diversity of Kingfisher’s retail banners, its scale and its strategic ambition. The industry is evolving rapidly, creating significant opportunities across trade, digital, marketplaces, services and new customer propositions. I am much looking forward to working with the team to build on those opportunities and create sustainable long-term value.”
Garnier will remain in role until 31st December, when he will step down as CEO and board member. Bhavesh Mistry, CFO, will serve as interim CEO during the month of January. Arney will continue as Chair until the company's 2029 annual general meeting.
Garnier says: “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.”
Morrisons
Morrisons recently appointed Dr Mohsen Ghasempour as Chief AI Officer, a newly created role that will see him establish a central data science and AI function for the UK grocery retailer. He joined from Kingfisher, where he had served as Chief AI Officer since March 2024 following more than two years as Group AI Director.
He will take overall responsibility for data and AI strategy, with a remit spanning customer growth, colleague empowerment, operational efficiency, manufacturing excellence and commercial excellence. He will report directly to Morrisons CEO Rami Baitiéh when he takes up the role on 1st October.
“Creation of this new role reflects our commitment to ensuring Morrisons is embracing the opportunities in data and AI at pace, with focus and in the right way,” said Baitiéh.
“Mohsen is a recognised expert in the field with hands on experience of unlocking the potential of technology to deliver innovative new solutions that serve customers, empower colleagues and deliver measurable business impact.”
Ghasempour said: “I’m excited about joining Morrisons and building the team that will help the business make effective and responsible use of AI in the years ahead, to deliver real benefits for customers and colleagues.”
