Mike Bell, Kingfisher CIO, departs after four years

Kingfisher Group has announced that CIO Mike Bell has left after four years at the European retail giant.

According to Kingfisher, Bell has departed the company having “fully achieved” the aims of transforming the Kingfisher IT Services (KITS) strategy. KITS focused on data centre consolidation and centralising of IT operations in order to drive efficiencies at Kingfisher, which owns a number of brands across Europe, including DIY chain B&Q and Screwfix in the UK.

Bell originally joined Kingfisher in January 2009, following three years as director of business systems and technology at supermarket chain Somerfield. He has over 30 years experience in the industry, with previous experience in a number of roles including Boots, United Distillers and IT distributor Premier Farnell.

Kingfisher told Computerworld UK that the company’s chief executive of group productivity and development, Steve Willett, will now be handed responsibility for Bell’s role, and in taking forward the company’s ‘Creating the Leader’ growth strategy. Willett has also previously been employed as CEO of Screwfix.

“After four years with Kingfisher IT Services (KITS) Mike Bell, Group IT Director, left Kingfisher at the end of April,” a spokesperson said.

“Mike joined Kingfisher in January 2009 with the aim of transforming KITS in readiness for the 'Creating the Leader' strategy. He leaves the function materially stronger than he found it, having fully achieved this aim.”

Bell spoke to ComputerWorldUK earlier this month about Kingfisher’s plan around its SAP Business Suite implementation running on HANA.

Bell’s LinkedIn profile indicates that he is currently planning his next career move: “Taking a long summer break......and then will decide what next”.

Source : Matthew Finnegan - Computerworld UK
www.computerworlduk.com/news/it-business/3450096/kingfisher-cio-mike-bell-leaves-retail-giant-after-four-years/