WH Smith boss Kate Swann to leave retailer October 11, 2012 WH Smith yesterday announced Kate Swann is to step down as chief executive next year after heading the retailer for almost a decade. Swann will hand over the reins to Steve Clarke, managing director of the group’s high street division, next July after overseeing its crucial Christmas period and ensuring “a smooth transition” of the [...]
Currie to head antitrust body … July 17, 2012 FORMER Ofcom boss Lord Currie has been chosen as the first chair of the Competition and Markets Authority – the UK’s new antitrust regulator. Currie will earn £185,000 a year for the three-day a week commitment, serving as chair of the body for a four-year term beginning this summer. The CMA is part of the government’s [...]
Ex-Dixons boss lands £36m for joining Apple May 27, 2012 JOHN BROWETT, the former boss of Dixons, is to receive a $56m (£36m) golden hello from Apple for taking charge of the tech giant’s network of stores around the world. Browett, who has been at the helm of the struggling British electronics group since 2007, moved to California last month after he was poached by [...]
Dixons Retail beats forecasts with sales rise May 10, 2012 DIXONS RETAIL has shrugged off the high street gloom and managed to win over cash-strapped shoppers as the owner of Curry’s and PC World reported better-than-expected sales. The group, which runs 640 stores in the UK and Ireland as well as outlets across Europe, yesterday said improved customer service and better ranges of products had [...]
A new challenge for Browett January 31, 2012 WE learnt yesterday that Apple had poached John Browett, former chief executive of Dixons, to head their worldwide retail operations. A look at YouGov’s BrandIndex, which tracks public perception of brands, suggests that this could be a good move for both Apple and Browett. Apple have secured themselves a man who kept Dixons as the [...]
DSG revertsto Dixons in name swap September 8, 2010 DSG International will revert to being called Dixons Retail after shareholders yesterday approved the plans at the electrical group’s AGM. The rebranding to DSG was aimed at being more appealing to an international market but the move has fallen flat. The company, which owns Curry’s and PC World, has been forced to restructure its overseas [...]
World Cup flop to boost cinemas and restaurants June 28, 2010 ENGLAND’S failure to get past the second round of the World Cup will give a welcome boost to cinemas and restaurants, analysts said yesterday. Traditional boozers are set to lose the most income, as fans tend to watch non-England games at home, according to Hugh-Guy Lorriman at Seymour Pierce. He said food-led pubs would be [...]
World Cup flop to boost cinemas and restaurants June 28, 2010 ENGLAND’S failure to get past the second round of the World Cup will give a welcome boost to cinemas and restaurants, analysts said yesterday. Traditional boozers are set to lose the most income, as fans tend to watch non-England games at home, according to Hugh-Guy Lorriman at Seymour Pierce. He said food-led pubs would be [...]
Knight Vinke builds up a stake in Kesa June 28, 2010 Activist investor Knight Vinke has bought a three per cent stake in electrical retailer Kesa. The move sent shares up nearly two per cent, amid speculation the investor may push for the group to be broken up. Knight Vinke is known for its activist tendencies, having demanded changes at firms including HSBC, Royal Dutch Shell, [...]
Knight Vinke builds up a stake in Kesa June 28, 2010 Activist investor Knight Vinke has bought a three per cent stake in electrical retailer Kesa. The move sent shares up nearly two per cent, amid speculation the investor may push for the group to be broken up. Knight Vinke is known for its activist tendencies, having demanded changes at firms including HSBC, Royal Dutch Shell, [...]