Screwfix owner Kingfisher has announced the appointment of Claudia Arney as its new chair.

The home improvement retail group, whose businesses also include B&Q and France’s Castorama, on Monday said that its current chair Andrew Cosslett will step down after seven years at its AGM on 20 June.

The incoming Arney has served as an independent non-executive director at Kingfisher and currently serves as chair of its remuneration committee. Outside of Kingfisher, Arney currently serves as chair of Deliveroo and as a non-executive director of Derwent London. She had previously held non-executive roles at a wide range of organisations including the Premier League, Halfords and Ocado.

The outgoing Andrew Cosslett said: "It has been a privilege to serve as Kingfisher's Chair over the last seven years. During this time we have changed and strengthened our leadership team, put in place a more effective business strategy, managed the pandemic and worked hard to further the company's reputation as a champion for responsible business."

Of her appointment, Arney said: "Since joining the Board in 2018, I have learned a great deal about the complexities and nuance of our business and retail banners, and about our 80,000 passionate and committed colleagues in many countries. It is an honour to take on the role."

Upon her appointment as chair, Arney will step down from her role on the remuneration committee and be served by Rakhi Goss-Custard, a non-executive director who has been with the company since 2016.

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