Bernard will join as non-executive director and deputy chairman after the retailer's AGM on May 24. He will share the role of deputy chairman with John Nelson until May 2007, when Nelson will step down and continue as a senior independent director.
Bernard said: 'Kingfisher is a remarkable group, an international leader in a very interesting business and I am delighted at the prospect of working with [chairman designate] Peter Jackson and [chief executive] Gerry Murphy at a very exciting time in the group's development in Europe and Asia.'
Bernard was with Carrefour, the world's second-largest retailer, from 1992 until last year 2005. He is now president of his own investment company, Provestis.
Kingfisher revealed a 32.6 per cent drop in pre-tax profits last month, with B&Q blamed for the slump. Profits fell from£661.4 million to£445.7 million for the year to January 28.
In the rest of Europe and Asia, sales were up 28 per cent for the year to January 28, with 46 stores opening in eight countries. It has a strong position in France, where it owns Castorama and Brico Depot.
No comments yet