Music and entertainment retailer HMV has named David Athey as its new commercial director, whilst Kate Longbottom has taken over the head of marketing role.
Having previously worked as the firm’s head of music and technology, Athey’s promotion to commercial director comes after close to 35 years with the business, which he initially joined as a sales assistant in 1990.
In her new role, Longbottom will now lead all of HMV’s marketing activity, ranging across the entirety of its store estate, as well as advertising, PR and online campaigns. She joined the business in 2022 from Paramount Pictures.
“We’re thrilled to announce the promotion of David from Head of Music & Technology to Commercial Director and Kate as our Head of Marketing,” HMV MD, Phil Halliday said.
“David has been with us for over 30 years now and holds a deep understanding of the business as well as vast experience and expertise across music, film, and TV, which we will lean heavily on as we look to continue the businesses growth and expansion.
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He continued: “Kate has been a longstanding member of the team and will be an outstanding marketing lead. With a focus on building our brand across the UK and in our nascent markets of Ireland and Belgium. She will also put renewed focus on bringing consumers into our local stores as well as driving our ecommerce offer.”
Both roles were newly created following the recent departure of former joint marketing and communications director Patrizia Leighton, who left HMV after a considerable 12-year stint with the business.
Longbottom added: “We have plans to continue our growth building on the legacy that Patrizia has left us across not only our store estate but also across our online proposition.
“In our stores customers can look forward to more from our Live and Local programme for new artists, more appearances in-stores from big names and more community events for fans. At the same time we will continue to invest in our ecommerce offer which has grown consistently in recent years.”
