Gerry Murphy is to step down as group chief executive of B&Q parent company, Kingfisher.
He will stand down on February 2 next year and the company has started a process to select his successor.

Peter Jackson, Kingfisher chairman, said: "It has been a pleasure to work with Gerry and I want to thank him for his leadership over the last five years.

"In a time of great change and challenge for the group, he has transformed Kingfisher into an integrated and successful international home retailer with strong management and a clear direction."

Mr Murphy said: "I am proud of the progress we have made over the last five years and it is right for me to move on and hand Kingfisher over to a new leader."

Mr Murphy (50) joined Kingfisher in January 2003 from broadcaster, Carlton Communications, where he was chief executive.