Thierry Garnier, chief executive of B&Q owner Kingfisher , is to step down after nearly seven years to lead Netherlands -headquartered supermarket group Ahold Delhaize.

His exact departure date is unconfirmed, but Kingfisher stated he has a 12-month notice period and will continue in the role while a successor is sought.

Ahold Delhaize expects Mr Garnier to replace its outgoing president and chief executive, Frans Muller, around its annual general meeting in April 2027.

Mr Garnier said it had been a "real privilege" to lead the group, which also owns Screwfix in the UK and a number of home improvement brands across Europe , such as Brico Depot and Castorama.

He said: "I remain focused on continuing to execute on our strategic plans with all my energies, so as to leave Kingfisher in the best possible shape for the future, and I look forward to ensuring a successful transition to my successor in due course."

Mr Garnier joined Kingfisher as chief executive in September 2019, just before the Covid-19…