Kingfisher, the owner of B&Q and Screwfix, has appointed Debarati (Deba) Sen as chief commercial officer (CCO).

Sen joins the retailer from US global flooring manufacturer HMTX Industries, where she is currently chief executive.

She previously spent more than 26 years at science technology conglomerate 3M Co., where she was most recently president, home improvement, consumer safety & wellbeing.

The new CCO is joining the company in December.

“I am very pleased to welcome Deba to Kingfisher," said Thierry Garnier, Kingfisher chief executive. "She brings extensive executive experience in large multinational environments and multiple markets, and is recognised for delivering commercial strategy anchored in product, marketing, business transformation and cross-cultural leadership in the home improvement sector."

Kingfisher also announced that that Henri Solère, chief offer and sourcing officer, has decided to step down from his role in January 2026 to explore new opportunities.

During his 12-year tenure at Kingfisher, Solère has held a number of senior roles, including as commercial director at Castorama and group category director, before taking on his current role in 2018.

In this role, he has led the development of Kingfisher’s Own Exclusive Brands (OEB) strategy, which the company says has become a "critical asset" for the Group and its banners.

“I would like to thank Henri for his huge contribution to Kingfisher over the last 12 years," said Garnier. "Examples of the strength of his leadership have been widespread across the Group, including his pioneering of our Kitchen, Bathroom and Storage categories, and the development of our Own Exclusive Brands.

"He leaves behind a solid foundation for us to further strengthen our position, and we wish him all the best for the future.”

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