Kingfisher has appointed OBI chief Sebastian Gundel as its next CEO, effective February 2027, bringing extensive home improvement retail and digital transformation experience to the international group.
International home improvement retailer Kingfisher plc has appointed Sebastian Gundel as its next Chief Executive Officer, marking a new leadership chapter for the group behind brands including B&Q, Screwfix, Castorama and Brico Dépôt.
Announced on October 13, 2026, the appointment will take effect on February 1, 2027, when Gundel will also join Kingfisher’s Board of Directors.
He will succeed Thierry Garnier, who has led the business for nearly seven years and will step down at the end of December 2026.
Bringing Digital Retail Experience to Kingfisher
Gundel brings more than two decades of experience in the home improvement industry, most recently serving as CEO of European retailer OBI.
At OBI, he led the company’s evolution towards an omnichannel retail model, combining traditional stores with digital services, customer engagement platforms and marketplace capabilities.
The business operates more than 660 stores across 10 European countries and employs approximately 40,000 people.
Before becoming OBI’s CEO in 2022, Gundel served as Chief Customer and Digital Officer, leading initiatives across digital innovation, loyalty programmes, marketplace development and services for trade customers.
His experience closely aligns with Kingfisher’s priorities in digital retail, professional customer services and expanding its online capabilities.
A Career Built Around Transformation
Gundel joined OBI in 2012 as Head of Corporate Development and subsequently held several senior leadership positions.
In 2017, he became Country Manager for Austria, overseeing the integration of the acquired Baumax business and expanding OBI’s Austrian store network.
He later led the company’s digital growth strategy, including the development of the heyOBI ecosystem, which has attracted more than 10 million registered users.
Earlier in his career, Gundel worked with 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.
Building on Kingfisher’s Strategic Progress
Claudia Arney, Chair of Kingfisher, welcomed the appointment, highlighting Gundel’s experience in home improvement retail, innovation and operational delivery.
She said his expertise would support the company’s next phase of growth while building on progress achieved under Garnier’s leadership.
Gundel, meanwhile, expressed enthusiasm about joining the group, identifying opportunities in digital services, marketplaces, trade customers and new retail propositions.
The appointment follows Kingfisher’s continued investment in its Powered by Kingfisher strategy, which focuses on strengthening its retail brands through shared capabilities and customer-focused innovation.
A Planned Leadership Handover
Garnier will remain CEO until December 31, 2026.
Kingfisher’s Chief Financial Officer, Bhavesh Mistry, will serve as interim CEO during January 2027 before Gundel formally assumes leadership in February.
Arney will also remain Chair until the company’s 2029 Annual General Meeting, supporting continuity during the transition.
With a background spanning digital transformation, customer experience and international retail operations, Gundel enters Kingfisher at a time when the company is expanding its omnichannel and trade-focused ambitions.
His appointment brings a leader with direct experience of evolving a major European home improvement business to guide Kingfisher’s next stage of development.
Sources: Kingfisher plc, official CEO appointment announcement, October 13, 2026; Reuters, October 13, 2026; Kingfisher plc, 2025/26 Annual Report
