Kingfisher hires Lego veteran Ben Kelly to lead global planning

Ben Kelly has been appointed as Group Planning Director for Kingfisher’s central supply chain function (OSC). Ben was previously Senior Director Global S&OP for iconic toy manufacturer Lego. He brings a wealth of planning experience to the role that will support the group in its ambitious “One Kingfisher” programme. Ben will lead the team that controls global stock flow and availability across all five brands.

Kingfisher are Europe’s leading home improvement and DIY retail group. They operate a plethora of famous brands, with B&Q and Screwfix being the most recognisable in the UK. The company is currently three years in to an extremely ambitious and transformative unification programme. Ben’s appointment marks the successful completion of the development phase, and the commencement of the implementation process.

Society conducted a pan-European search, targeting professionals from 37 countries and over 100 brands.

Ben was previously Lego’s Global S&OP lead, responsible for the forecast and flow of stock to the world's retailers and their wholesale partners. With Lego being in such high demand, he excelled in one of the world’s most challenging demand planning environments. That experience, combined with his attitude and personal drive, made him an ideal hire for Kingfisher.