Former B&Q chairman and Kingfisher director Nigel Whittaker has died after a long illness, aged 62.
Mr Whittaker was corporate affairs director at Kingfisher, having held numerous roles during his time there including B&Q chairman and HR director of Woolworths.

Ceo Ian Cheshire said: "Nigel's contribution to Kingfisher was huge, not least in his work on developing the name and our corporate identity, but his influence went well beyond his role in communications. He was a key mover in establishing what is now a leading international retailer, and his energy and sense of fun will be much missed."

Kingfisher group communications director Ian Harding added: "Nigel was one of the founding directors of Kingfisher and played a huge part in our development. We are saddened to hear of his untimely death after a brave battle with illness. We extend our sincere condolences to his family at this time."

Mr Whittaker, who graduated from Cambridge University and Yale Law School, left the company in 1994 having been a member of the original bid team for FW Woolworths in 1982.