B&Q appoints former M&M Direct boss to support multichannel

B&Q has appointed former M&M Direct boss Steve Robinson to its board as it strengthens its multichannel offer.

Robinson, who left M&M Direct as chief executive in August, joined B&Q last week and is overseeing the DIY giant’s e-commerce offer on an interim basis.

The retailer said the hire of Robinson - who launched Tesco Direct, the grocer’s online arm - “will further strengthen” its three year strategy to improve its multi channel operations.

Robinson reports directly to Martyn Phillips, chief executive of B&Q UK & Ireland.

It is a return to Kingfisher - B&Q’s parent - for Robinson, who worked at the retail group as an analyst in the 1990s.

He has also been finance director at Argos.

Robinson - who runs his own consultancy business, Omnicommerce – will be at B&Q for six months.

Phillips, who has known Robinson for some years, said: “This is a key appointment for us in our multi channel journey towards a new integrated digital platform which will be fully launched in 2013.

“I am delighted to be working with Steve again; he will be a real addition to the skills set on the B&Q Board”

B&Q aims to “transform customers’ experience of online shopping” by enhancing its multi-channel offer.

The retailer said its three year strategy will provide a “step change” for its online business, and also equip it for “rapid expansion” in m-commerce sales over the next decade.

Source : Tiffany Holland – Retail Week
www.retail-week.com/people/former-mm-direct-boss-joins-bq/5033310.article