B&Q has appointed former M and M Direct boss Steve Robinson to its board as it strengthens its multichannel offer.

Robinson, who left M and M Direct as chief executive in August, joined B&Q last week and is overseeing the DIY giant’s ecommerce offer on an interim basis, for a minimum of six months. There is a possibility that he could stay on permanently The retailer said Robinson – who launched Tesco Direct, the grocer’s online arm – “will further strengthen” its three-year strategy to improve its multichannel offer.

Robinson reports directly to Martyn Phillips, chief executive of B&Q UK & Ireland.

It is a return to Kingfisher – B&Q’s parent – for Robinson, who worked at the retail group as an analyst in the 1990s.

Robinson runs his own consultancy business, Omnicommerce and chairs bike accessories etailer Pro Bike Kit. Phillips, who has known Robinson for some years, said: “This is a key appointment for us in our multichannel journey towards a new integrated digital platform which will be launched in 2013.

“I am delighted to be working with Steve again. He will be a real addition to the skills set on the B&Q board.”

B&Q’s three-year strategy will provide a “step change” for its online business, and will also equip it for “rapid expansion” in m-commerce sales over the next decade.

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