Kingfisher Chairman confirmed

Kingfisher PLC
7 December 2001

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday 7 December 2001

FRANCIS MACKAY TAKES UP CHAIRMANSHIP OF KINGFISHER

Francis Mackay has formally assumed the non-executive chairmanship of
Kingfisher plc. The appointment of Mr Mackay, who is 56, was announced on
October 5th and he succeeded Sir John Banham in the post at a full meeting of
the Board this morning.

Sir John, 61, retires after serving as non-executive chairman since February
1996. Acknowledging his contribution to the development of the Group over this
period, Sir Geoff Mulcahy, Kingfisher's chief executive, said: 'Kingfisher has
been transformed from a UK-based general retailer to a genuinely international
retailer with operations in 16 countries and a strong focus on selling
products for the home.

'On behalf of the Board,' said Sir Geoff, 'I would like to record our thanks
and appreciation to John for everything he has done for Kingfisher through
almost six years of pivotal change for the Group. We wish him every success
for the future.'

Mr Mackay said: 'I'm delighted to be taking up the job where John left off.
Kingfisher is now a leading international retailing business. I'm looking
forward to doing everything I can to help the Group make the most of its huge
potential.'

                                    -ends-


NOTES TO EDITORS



1.      Kingfisher plc is one of Europe's leading retailers operating in the
international home improvement and electrical and furniture markets



2.      Kingfisher employs around 90,000 people in over 1,300 stores across 16
countries and includes some of the best known retail brands in Europe
including B&Q, Castorama, Comet, Darty and BUT.  Kingfisher's non-UK sales
have grown from 22% of the total in 1996 to around 55% today, making
Kingfisher the UK's most international retailer.  During the same period,
operating profit grew by over 140%, from £317 million to £723 million, with
particular success at B&Q where profits grew almost five-fold.



3.      Francis Mackay continues as Executive Chairman of Compass Group PLC,
the world's largest foodservice company with major businesses in Continental
Europe.  Over the last ten years, Mr Mackay has led the growth of the Compass
Group, from an initial market capitalisation of £200 million to over £10
billion today.



4.      Sir John's current positions include non-executive chairman of
Whitbread plc and senior non-executive director of Amvescap plc, a leading
independent investment manager with offices in 25 countries and over £260bn of
funds under management, as at 19 October 2001.




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