Kingfisher chief executive Thierry Garnier has filled the final position on his new executive team.

The home and DIY giant has appointed Kate Seljeflot as its chief people officer. She starts her new role on March 23.

Kate Seljeflot

Kate Seljeflot

Seljeflot joins Kingfisher from Coca-Cola owned Costa Coffee where she was also chief people officer. She joined the coffee shop chain in 2016 and was responsible for leading a global people strategy.

The French-speaking British national brings with her a wealth of knowledge of retail and transformational skills. Previously Seljeflot held roles at Diageo and Shell.

Garnier said: “I’m very pleased to welcome Kate to Kingfisher. She brings excellent international HR experience along with her energy and passion, most recently leading the HR function of a highly successful international retail group.

Kingfisher has also appointed two new members of the group executive team. Martin Lee will take on the role of group supply chain officer after successfully covering the position on an interim basis since last summer.

Lee has been with the DIY conglomerate for 25 years and most recently led the supply chain at Screwfix and B&Q.

Adela Smeu – currently chief executive of Brico Depot Romania business also joins the executive team. Smeu joined Kingfisher as finance director for Brico Depot Romania in 2015 and was appointed chief executive in 2017.

Prior to joining Kingfisher, Smeu was director of finance and administration at Obi in Romania and held various finance roles at United Technologies in France and PwC in Romania

Garnier added: “I’m also very happy to have Martin and Adela join the group executive team, recognising the experience and leadership they have brought in their important roles.

“Building the right group executive team was one of my first priorities when I started in September. I am confident we now have a diverse team with a good mix of Kingfisher experience and other home improvement, retail and service industries, which will find the right balance between the group and local markets.

“We have much to do and I’m pleased that we now have a strong team in place.”