Alan Knight, Kingfisher's respected director of corporate and social responsibility and a leading advocate of environmentally sound retailing, is to leave the business. No replacement has so far been announced.
Knight was a lynchpin in instigating ethical sourcing at Kingfisher, one of the first UK retailers to reject the sale of tropical hardwoods.
There was some speculation that Knight's departure indicates reduced commitment by Kingfisher to environmentally responsible retailing.
A Kingfisher spokesman rejected that interpretation and said: 'Alan's done a great job. All the operating companies have their own CSR agendas, as put in place by Alan, and it wouldn't stop because one person leaves.'
One source familiar with Kingfisher said: 'Alan will be missed long-term. He led the way and changed things for the better, often against the wishes of manufacturers.'
Knight, who joins international brewing group SAB Miller on December 1, was a commissioner for the UK Sustainable Development Commission and led a Prime Ministerial think tank. He received an OBE in 1998.
No comments yet