Homebase has hired former B&Q executive Jo Kenrick as its marketing director.

Kenrick will join in mid-August, and report to managing director Paul Loft. She replaces Ajay Kavan who left the business earlier this year.

Kenrick is currently chief executive of charity initiative Start. Prior to that she was marketing and customer proposition director at B&Q. She started her career at Mars and PepsiCo.

Loft said: “The customer is, and always will be, at the forefront of Homebase’s activities.  We aim to lead the march on ideas and inspiration in the home and garden.

“Jo’s background in FMCG, retailing and at Start is ideally placed to move us on to the next step in the Homebase journey.”

Kenrick said: “I’m delighted to be joining the team at Homebase - I’ve always believed that women were the key decision makers in Home Improvement and this is a business which already has a strong female franchise. There is so much already in place to build on and a great team with which to do it so I’m really looking forward to getting started.”