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The Warehouse has appointed Ian Morrice as its chief executive.
Mr Morrice is currently managing director, commercial for United Kingdom-based B&Q Plc, the number one DIY retailer in Europe and number three DIY retailer worldwide.
The position has been vacant for nearly a year following the sudden resignation of Greg Muir as
a result of differences with the board over direction.
Founder Stephen Tindall stepped into the breach left by Mr Muir.
The Warehouse also announced its Red Sheds general manager, David Wilson, would resign at the end of the financial year, August 1, to return to his native Australia.
Glen Inger, current property director and a board member, would pick up the running of the Red Sheds on Mr Wison's departure.
Mr Inger had been tipped as a possible CEO. He has been with The Warehouse since 1988 and has worked in most functions of the business including store operations, merchandising and property.
B&Q had turnover of £3.9 billion ($11.5 billion) in 2003/4, pre-tax profit of £372 million and 36,000 employees.
Mr Morrice will take over the reins as group managing director and CEO from Mr Tindall early in the new financial year.
Mr Tindall will remain on the board.
Chairman Keith Smith said the company was delighted to have secured Mr Morrice, who has a strong retail career and has been a leading contributor to B&Q's market share and earnings growth over the last three years.
He said Mr Morrice had an outstanding track record of managing profitable growth and would bring significant experience in "big box" and general merchandise retailing.
Mr Morrice has been at B&Q since 2001 where he has led the growth of the large format B&Q Warehouse chain, expansion into Ireland and the launch of financial services. Prior to B&Q he was retail director of Woolworths' chain of 800 stores in the UK.
His retailing career includes a number of senior executive positions at Dixons, Europe's number one electrical retailing group.
Mr Morrice has an MBA from Cranfield University.
- NZPA
