COMMENT Into the unknown Editor, Fiona Garcia: fgarcia@datateam.co.uk


What a week it’s been! I spent a fantastic few days in Berlin at the Global DIY Summit gaining a much greater insight into the


global home improvement market


“We are living in uncertain and


interesting times”


and learning


some incredible opportunities and innovations in the sector. It was a brilliant coming together of retailers and suppliers from


across the world and a rare chance to get some quality face time and share ideas.


The timing of the summit coincided with the UK election, and that was an interesting place to be during the process, surrounded by representatives from top international companies and a host of great economic minds


As you can imagine, there had been much debate and speculation in the run up to the final count on Friday, which resulted in a hung parliament, and even further conjecture following that announcement. With presentations about Brexit and the Trump administration on Election Day, there was a buzz in the air as people anticipated what result we would be waking up to the following morning. The speaker from KPMG even concluded his talk


by


saying “of course this could all completely change tomorrow”. And, what a change we were in for. The reality in the cold light of day was far more sobering and, no doubt, quite a hangover for those already nursing sore heads from the gala dinner the night before. We are living in uncertain and interesting times, and retailers and suppliers alike are anxious about what the future will hold for their business. An online poll finds that the biggest concern for DIY Week’s


readers at the moment is Brexit – yet another unknown entity. However, those results, like everything else, could change tomorrow.


PEOPLE NEWS B&Q names new CEO Following its Q1 Kingfisher confirms


results, it


has


appointed Christian Mazauric, head of its Brico Depot operations in Romania, to run B&Q in the UK & Ireland. Mr Mazauric will take up the mantle from July 1, replacing Michael Loeve who announced last month that he would be stepping down from the role and mving to Netto International where he would serve as senior vice president.


Bradstone appoints new sales director


Bradstone, the domestic landscaping division of Aggregate Industries, has appointed Andrew Singleton to the role of sales director. Mr Singleton has a wealth of experience within the domestic landscaping worked


sector, at Marshalls for


creation in the Bradstone garden and driveway business, including a national sales strategy and the continuing development of the strong sales team.


excited”


having the


past 16 years, most recently as stockist sales director. In his new role, Mr Singleton will be responsible for all sales


4 DIY WEEK 16 JUNE 2017


He said he was “extremely to


be “We are joining the


domestic landscaping team. Aggregate Industries concrete products director Simon Marriott added:


thrilled to


welcome Andrew to the team. A domestic landscaping specialist,


he knows the sector inside out. We’re also looking forward to benefitting from his extensive network and relationship management experience across the merchant community.”


Brico Depot Romania’s finance director Adela Smeu will succeed Mr Mazauric when he leaves.


Mr Mazauric has worked for the Kingfisher group for more than 16 years, spending more than a decade at Castorama France. He also held the position of chief finance officer at B&Q UK & Ireland and, before that, spent


six Spencer in the UK. years at Marks &


Exclusively Shows announce new director of sales


Brooke House Exhibitions, the organisers of Exclusively Housewares and Exclusively Electrical have announced the appointment of Lindsey Hoyle as director of sales following the news that Patrick Wade will be stepping down from the role at the end of June. Ms Hoyle has previously held


senior roles with several leading housewares brands including Le Creuset, DKB and Everywhere Global and, having spent nearly 10 years


in the housewares


industry and six years in various buying roles, brings a wealth of industry knowledge and experience to the shows.


New CEO for Ikea group


Ikea has appointed Jesper Brodin


as its new CEO,


effective from September 1. Mr Brodin succeeds Peter Agnefjail, who has been president and CEO of Ikea since 2012. Mr Brodin is currently the managing director of Ikea Sweden, where he is responsible for the development of product ranges and supply chain. Mr Brodin’s new role will be based in Leiden, the Netherlands. He said:


“I Editor: Fiona Garcia about


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© 2015 Datateam Business Media Ltd. DIY Week incorporates Decor Retailing, DIY Retail Leaders, DIY Superstore, Do-It-Yourself Retailing, Domestic Electrical Appliances, Excellence In Garden Retailing, Excellence In Woodcare Retailing, Excellence In Timber Retailing, Excellence In Tile Retailing, Garden Retail Leaders, Garden Retailing, Hardware Merchandiser, Hardware Trade Journal, Homecentre, Home Storage Retailing, The Ironmonger, Ironmongery & Hardware, Lighting, Martineau & Smith’s Monthly Circular, Mercantile Guardian, Superstore Management, Tools Retailing, and Wholesale Leaders. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means without prior written permission from the publishers. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of material published in DIY Week. However, Datateam Business Media Ltd will not be liable for any inaccuracies. The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the editor or publishers. DIY Week is registered at Stationers’ Hall. ISSN 0954-8823. DIY Week is printed on environmentally friendly paper; both text paper and cover stock are elementary chlorine free and sourced from paper suppliers with a well planned environmental policy. This issue of DIY Week includes some editorial photographs provided and paid for by suppliers. Printed by Buxton Press.


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Founded in 1874


No 5,817 16 JUNE 2017 www.diyweek.net


many exciting years ahead and I’m excited to be part


of the believe we have


rapid transformation of retail. I’m honoured and excited about my new assignment.”


www.diyweek.net


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