B&Q recruits ex-Bates planner to spearhead own-brand drive

B&Q, the Kingfisher-owned DIY retailer, has appointed David Roth, a former planning director of Bates UK, to the newly-created position of director of brand and marketing.

Roth’s appointment follows the sudden departure last month of marketing director Mark Beeley. Beeley reportedly left the company following a disagreement with senior management over a restructuring of B&Q’s marketing.

As strategic planning director at Bates UK, Roth worked on the £36m B&Q account. He also headed Bates Consulting before setting up his own branding consultancy in 1998, which listed B&Q among its clients.

A spokeswoman for B&Q says that in addition to overseeing the retailer’s marketing activities, including advertising, point-of-purchase promotions and PR, Roth will be responsible for developing own-label and sub-brands.

Roth does not plan to review the DIY giant’s creative and media accounts, handled by Bates UK and Zenith respectively.

Earlier this month, Kingfisher ended months of speculation over the future of its Woolworths and Superdrug retail chains, by announcing its intention to float the two businesses.

Kingfisher chief executive Geoff Mulcahy abandoned talks with shortlisted bidders after failing to agree a price.