Former B&Q director becomes CEO of Praxis in the Netherlands

It has been reported by Retail Week that former B&Q director John Colley has been promoted to chief executive of Dutch DIY firm Praxis as Tony DeNunzio becomes executive chairman of parent company Maxeda.

As part of the management restructure George Adams, a former Kingfisher executive, has stepped down as group chief executive of Maxeda. He will stay on as a strategic advisor to the DIY group.

DeNunzio said: “Consumer confidence is low in both Belgium and the Netherlands and DIY markets are under pressure. It is therefore time to simplify our structures, shorten decision making, lower our cost and improve the execution of our plans.”

Colley has been chief commercial officer at Maxeda for over two years.

DeNunzio, who has been involved with the DIY group for 8 years, added: “John created an organisation that has stepped changed our far east sourcing and our new product development. John is one of the strongest commercial people in the business and has a passion for success. He will bring real energy and focus to driving the Praxis business.”

Edit: The announcement may explain why Colley pulled out of speaking at yesterday’s BHETA forum, which was subsequently postponed (as reported by DIY Week) – Insight Team

Source : Gemma Goldfingle – Retail Week
www.retail-week.com