Former Matalan boss Darren Blackhurst decides to B&Q-it
DIY CHAIN B&Q said yesterday it has hired former Matalan chief executive Darren Blackhurst as commercial director as it makes further changes to its management team.
The moves marks an unusual step back for Blackhurst, who was a leading contender to replace former Asda chief executive Andy Bond in 2010 and has spent two years at the helm of Matalan.
A well-known figure in the retail business, Blackhurst spent the first 20 years of his career with Tesco before leaving in 2008 to join rival Asda, where he was promoted to merchandising director.
Blackhurst’s abrupt departure from Matalan last summer came after a difficult trading period for the retailer and two other high profile exits. He was replaced by the founder John Hargreaves’ son Jason.
B&Q, which is part of Kingfisher, said Blackhurst’s experience at big retailers with value propositions was “a good fit” for the group.