Ikea’s former global chief executive Anders Dahlvig is to join DIY giant Kingfisher as a non-executive director.

Dahlvig formally joins the board of the B&Q owner on December 16.

Dahlvig stepped down from Swedish furniture colossus Ikea this year, having spent 26 years with the retailer. Before becoming chief executive and president of Ikea Group, he was vice president Ikea Europe, and before that managing director of its UK arm.

At Ikea he expanded the retailer into in Russia, China and Japan.

Kingfisher chairman Daniel Bernard said: “We are delighted that Anders is joining the Board. He is a hugely experienced international retailer, with particular knowledge of the home improvement sector. I know we will benefit from his considerable expertise as we strengthen and grow our businesses around the world.”

Dahlvig said: “I am very pleased to be joining Kingfisher. From my time at Ikea I know Kingfisher’s businesses well, having operated in many of the same markets across Europe and Asia. Kingfisher is a strong business, with a clear strategy and ambitious plans.”