B&Q-owner's chief to leave firm

See Kingfisher's share price

Gerry Murphy, the chief executive of B&Q-owner Kingfisher, is to step down from his job in February.

Mr Murphy has been chief executive for five years at the company, which also owns Castorama in France.

Last month, Kingfisher warned of a tough period of trading in the UK, as interest rate rises hit expensive purchases such as new bathrooms.

It came only three months after the warning that wet weather had hit summer sales at B&Q.

Mr Murphy is stepping down on 2 February, which is the end of the company's financial year.

Kingfisher says it expects its three-month results, which are due at the end of November, to confirm a positive performance from its international businesses but show continuing tough conditions in the UK.

Kingfisher shares ended around 4% lower by close of trade.