Allan to step down as boss of Screwfix

Screwfix Direct managing director John Allan will leave the Kingfisher-owned business at the end of July, it has emerged.

Allan's departure represents the latest senior management change at troubled Kingfisher. It follows the appointment of Ian Cheshire to replace Rob Cissell as B&Q chief executive last week.

Screwfix Direct has had a difficult year after a distribution centre move hampered customer order fulfilment.

But a Kingfisher spokesman said the reasons for Allan's departure were career-related and geographical rather than because of recent Screwfix problems. 'He wants to move to Scotland and pursue a portfolio career with a mix of consultancy roles and non-executive positions,' said the spokesman.

He explained that Allan's decision to leave pre-dated the arrival of Cheshire at B&Q. Allan is replaced by B&Q managing director of supply chain and services Steve Willett. He in turn is succeeded at B&Q by Martin Lee.