The European DIY Retail Association and Global Home Improvement Network has elected Thierry Garnier, the CEO of Kingfisher, as President of EDRA/GHIN. Erwin van Osta, owner and CEO of the Belgian DIY store chain Hubo, has been voted to take the position of Deputy Speaker of the Board.

Thierry Garnier, who joined Kingfisher in September 2019, is an experienced, international retailer having spent 20 years in senior roles at Carrefour. During his time at Kingfisher, he has driven the development of the retailer’s digital and omnichannel capabilities, accelerated the Group’s responsible business and sustainability agenda; and, continued to develop and expand its banners’ store portfolio, including the recent opening of Screwfix stores in France.

Kingfisher plc is an international home improvement company with over 1,500 stores, supported by a team of 80,000 colleagues. Listed in the UK, it operates in eight countries across Europe under retail banners including B&Q, Castorama, Brico Dépôt, Screwfix, TradePoint and Koçtaş.

Commenting on his appointment, Thierry Garnier said: “EDRA/ GHIN is a great international network, bringing together home improvement retailers from all over the world. I am honoured to have the opportunity to represent this fantastic industry, which plays a unique role in helping our customers improve their homes and their lives. From supporting people to make their homes more energy efficient, to developing the skills needed for the future, our sector can make a huge difference on some of the biggest challenges our societies face. We share a common passion about the positive difference we can make and EDRA/GHIN will continue to support our global industry as it keeps growing.”

Thierry has a Master’s Degrees in Engineering from École Polytechnique, Paris, and from École des Mines de Paris. He began his career with the French Civil Service before pursuing his passion for retail. In 2016, Thierry was awarded the Chevalier de l’Ordre National de la Légion d’Honneur (France). He has been a member of the EDRA/GHIN Board since 2019.