UK DIY News
Kingfisher Appoints Sebastian Gundel as CEO
Kingfisher plc today announces the appointment of Sebastian Gundel as Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 February 2027. Sebastian will join Kingfisher’s Board of Directors on the same date.
Sebastian brings more than two decades of leadership experience in the home improvement sector, including as Chief Executive Officer of European home improvement retailer OBI, where he led the company's evolution from traditional retail to a digitally enabled, customer-centric, omnichannel business. Prior to becoming CEO, Sebastian 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. Earlier in his career, he held operational leadership positions and a range of strategic roles across marketing, customer proposition and corporate development.
Claudia Arney, Chair, said: “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’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.”
Sebastian Gundel, CEO Designate, said: “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.”
Thierry Garnier, CEO, said: “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.”
Thierry Garnier will remain in role until 31 December 2026, when he will step down as CEO and Board member. Bhavesh Mistry, CFO, will serve as interim CEO during the month of January to support a smooth transition. Claudia Arney will continue as Chair until the Company's 2029 Annual General Meeting, ensuring continuity through the leadership transition.
Sebastian’s biography can be found on our website. His remuneration package is in line with Kingfisher’s Remuneration Policy and further details will be disclosed in the 2026/27 Annual Report. There are no further details to be disclosed under Listing Rule 6.4.
Sebastian Gundel biography
Skills and experience:
Sebastian brings more than two decades of leadership experience in the home improvement sector, most recently as Chief Executive Officer of OBI, a leading home improvement company with over 660 stores and 40,000 colleagues across ten countries, including its home market of Germany. As CEO, he led the company’s evolution from a traditional retailer into a digitally enabled, customer-centric, omnichannel business.
Prior to becoming CEO in 2022, he held a series of senior leadership roles spanning strategy, marketing, customer experience, digital transformation and international operations.
From 2020, Sebastian served as Chief Customer & Digital Officer, leading the company’s digital growth strategy and 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 successfully integrated the acquired Baumax business, expanding OBI Austria from around 15 stores to 70.
In 2015, he became Managing Director for Customer Offer and Marketing, while later establishing and leading OBI Next, the company’s innovation hub. In these roles, he developed and scaled a number of growth platforms, including loyalty, retail media, marketplaces and home services.
This work was well received by suppliers and had a positive impact on OBI’s employer brand.
He joined OBI as Head of Corporate Development in 2012.
Before OBI, Sebastian 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.
Source : Kingfisher plc
Image : Kingfisher plc
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