Kingfisher plc has named Sebastian Gundel as the new Chief Executive Officer, effective February 1, 2027. The British home improvement retailer confirmed that Gundel will join the Board of Directors on the same date. He succeeds Thierry Garnier, who will step down from the role on December 31, 2026.
A leadership shift in home improvement retail
Claudia Arney, the Chair of Kingfisher, described the selection process as thorough. The Board expressed delight in appointing Gundel, citing his deep experience in home improvement retail. Arney noted that Gundel combines this sector expertise with a strong track record of innovation and operational delivery.
Gundel brings more than two decades of leadership experience to Kingfisher. He most recently served as Chief Executive Officer of OBI, a European home improvement company. Under his leadership, OBI evolved from a traditional retailer into a digitally enabled, customer-centric, omnichannel business. The company operates over 660 stores and employs 40,000 colleagues across ten countries.
Connecting trade and digital channels
Before becoming CEO of OBI in 2022, Gundel held senior leadership roles. He launched the heyOBI ecosystem, which has grown to more than 10 million registered users. This platform spans loyalty programs, marketplaces, and ecosystem development.
Gundel also led the expansion of trade propositions. His background includes operational leadership and strategic roles in marketing and corporate development. Earlier in his career, he worked 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.
The transition plan includes Bhavesh Mistry, the Chief Financial Officer. Arney will continue as Chair until the Company’s 2029 Annual General Meeting.
He highlighted the strength and diversity of Kingfisher’s retail banners and its strategic ambition. He emphasized his focus on building sustainable long-term value across trade, digital, marketplaces, and new customer propositions.
Building on established progress
Current CEO Thierry Garnier praised the incoming leader. He stated that Gundel brings sector expertise and a customer focus. Garnier expressed confidence that Gundel will successfully lead Kingfisher through its next chapter. He noted his pride in the achievements of the team during his tenure.
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Gundel’s remuneration package is in line with Kingfisher’s Remuneration Policy. Further details will be disclosed in the 2026/27 Annual Report. The company confirmed there are no additional disclosures required under Listing Rule 6.4.
Sebastian Gundel’s career has spanned the strategic and operational sides of the retail sector. From 2020, he 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.
