Electricals giant Best Buy has strengthened its UK team as it prepares to take on DSGi and Kesa when it launches here next year.

Best Buy has appointed Kevin Styles, former managing director of DIY group Kingfisher’s Trade Depot business, as UK marketing director. He is expected to play a pivotal role in the positioning and proposition of Best Buy, which is opening in this country in partnership with Carphone Warehouse.

Styles will join a team led by former Boots and Tesco director Scott Wheway, who was promoted last week to head Best Buy Europe.

The retailer revealed two weeks ago that it had signed its first two store leases, understood to be at Hedge End in Southampton and Thurrock. Another five sites are under discussion.

Pali International analyst Nick Bubb said Best Buy would not necessarily have it all its own way in the looming electricals showdown. “To succeed Best Buy will need to build the right team and present an effective store on the ground. Currys will not make it easy for them.”