Rabec has spent over 30 years in senior roles at French retail group, Carrefour – most recently as executive director of Carrefour Hypermarkets.

He will now be responsible for the Castorama and Brico Depot businesses which boasts over 200 stores and 20,000 colleagues.

The appointment comes a day after fellow former Carrefour executive Thierry Garnier officially started his role as Kingfisher’s new chief executive after Veronique Laury stepped down.

Kingfisher chief executive Thierry Garnier said: ““I am delighted to welcome Alain to Kingfisher. He is one of the most experienced and respected retailers in France and will bring a wealth of deep operational experience to Kingfisher.