Cissell takes the helm to drive Robert Dyas

Screwdrivers-to-saucepans retailer Robert Dyas has plugged in to the talents of former B&Q chief executive Rob Cissell. 

Cissell, who took a sideways move at B&Q and was replaced by Ian Cheshire in June, will arrive at the hardware store business as its chief executive on October 1.  

"We know Rob, we know his history and we know how flipping talented he is. I was just glad we managed to hook him," said existing Robert Dyas chairman and chief executive officer Alan Smith, who will become a non-executive following Cissell's arrival. 

Smith said Robert Dyas, now with 93 stores, had been in contact with Cissell prior to his change in role at B&Q. He said: "I like him and I think he'll fit into the company. He's got a good track record and a good pedigree. He's a blooming good trader."  

Cissell became chief executive for commercial and development at B&Q following a 7.7 per cent fall in like-for-like sales at the DIY chain in the three months to April. He was also managing director of Comet until January 2003, before moving to B&Q as managing director for commercial. 

Robert Dyas is owned by Change Capital Partners, the private equity fund backed by the French Halley family. The fund is overseen by Carrefour chairman and former Marks & Spencer chairman Luc Vandevelde. 

Cissell's arrival will allow Smith to seek further opportunities as a non-executive director in the retail and leisure sector. He said he plans to go part-time at Robert Dyas in February or March and will be speaking with headhunters and venture capitalists soon. 

He added that one of Robert Dyas' key selling points is its customer service. "Lots of retailers talk about customer service, but it's another matter to deliver it. Robert Dyas always has. Just because of the sheer range of products, people value advice as to what the products are and how to use them." 

Robert Dyas management believe the chain could reach 300 stores in the UK, having opened 18 since it was acquired in March last year.