Press release:
Mr Anders Dahlvig to become a non-executive director of the Company
16 December 2009
Kingfisher plc today announces that Anders Dahlvig is to become a non-executive director of the Company. He will formally join the Board with effect from 16 December 2009.
Mr Dahlvig, 52, was previously Chief Executive and President of The IKEA Group from 1999 to 2009, having spent 26 years with the company. Prior to becoming Chief Executive, Mr Dahlvig was Vice President IKEA Europe from 1997 to 1999, where he was responsible for IKEA's operations in eight European markets. Between 1993 and 1997 he was Managing Director of IKEA UK. During his time with The IKEA Group, he expanded the retailer into Russia, China and Japan.
Commenting on the appointment, Kingfisher's 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."
Mr 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. I am looking forward to working with Kingfisher's Group Chief Executive, Ian Cheshire, and the rest of the Board on delivering value for shareholders."
Mr Dahlvig has a Master of Arts degree in Economics from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Lund University. He is also Chairman of The New Wave Group, and a Member of the Advisory Board of Lund University Business School.
He does not have an interest in shares in Kingfisher and there is no other information required to be disclosed under 9.6.13R of the Listing Rules.
Notes to editors
Mr Dahlvig has received a number of awards which have recognised his commitment to social responsibility and ethical business practices. These include the Oslo Business for Peace Award (2009); the US Foreign Policy Association's Global Social Responsibility Award (2006); and the Swedish award for good Environmental Leadership (2002).
Enquiries
Ian Harding, Group Communications Director 020 7644 1029
Nigel Cope, Head of Communications 020 7644 1030
Sarah Gerrand, Head of Investor Relations 020 7644 1032
Company profile
Kingfisher plc is Europe's leading home improvement retail group and the third largest in the world, with almost 830 stores in eight countries in Europe and Asia. Its main retail brands are B&Q, Castorama, Brico Dépôt and Screwfix. Kingfisher also has a 21% interest in, and strategic alliance with Hornbach, Germany's leading large format DIY retailer.
