Milton Keynes, UK, 2014-3-18 — /EPR Retail News/ — Home Retail Group today announces a new management structure for Argos as a result of the promotion of John Walden, formerly Manager Director of Argos, to the role of Group Chief Executive. All changes are effective immediately.
As Group Chief Executive, John Walden will continue to provide guidance to Argos, particularly on its strategic direction, transformation priorities and cultural development. In addition, the existing Argos leadership team will be restructured as follows:
David Robinson, currently Argos Commercial Director, is promoted to the new role of Chief Operating Officer of Argos. Reporting to John Walden, he will have responsibility for day-to-day business operations and for the delivery of commercial strategies and financial plans. In addition to his current commercial team, several key Argos functions will now report to David, including retail operations, marketing, finance and human resources.
Bertrand Bodson, currently Argos Digital Director, is promoted to the new role of Chief Digital Officer for the Group. He will continue to lead the digital strategy for Argos, including digital development, trading and other functions, catalogue and new media, and the overall commercial and financial performance of the digital business. Bertrand will further assume broader responsibility for Argos information systems, and for the growing digital strategies across the Group.
John Walden said:
“As I step into the new role as Chief Executive of Home Retail Group, it is critical that Argos continues its current positive trading momentum and delivers on its ambitious transformation plan. I will naturally remain involved with Argos, and be committed to the success of that plan. The restructuring of the Argos leadership will help strengthen that team as they assume some of my former responsibilities.
“I am delighted that David and Bertrand have proven their readiness for further responsibilities. David has led a substantial upgrade in the capabilities of the Argos trading function in the past two years, and the strong trading performance of the business over that period is a reflection of his leadership. Bertrand, having joined Argos only last year, has significantly elevated the vision and digital capabilities of Argos as a whole, and overseen good progress across digital channels. I look forward to the continued partnership of David, Bertrand, and the rest of the Argos executive team.”
-ENDS-
Note to News Editors:
For more information contact Media Relations, tel: 0845 120 4365, mobile: 0771 3064079, email: media.relations@homeretailgroup.com
About Home Retail Group
Home Retail Group is the UK’s leading home and general merchandise retailer with sales of around £5.5 billion in the financial year to February 2013. We sell products under three distinct and complementary retail brands – Argos, Homebase and Habitat. The Group employs some 48,000 people across the business. For more information visit www.homeretailgroup.com
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