HMV exodus continues as PR, marketing and games execs leave

Retail giant HMV is losing a number of high profile employees this week, including its games buyer and marketing boss.

Games category buyer Richard Thompson (pictured) is leaving the business this week to move to Australia, he has worked at HMV for 11 years. His departure follows the redundancy of eight members of the games team earlier this year. MCV understands HMV is looking to rebuild the team under the leadership of Phil Browes. Will Cox has re-joined the team on a temporary basis as assistant technology buyer.

Meanwhile, as announced yesterday, popular PR vet Gennaro Castaldo is leaving the company after an incredible 28 years at the firm. He will join music industry trade body BPI as director of communications.

Elsewhere, HMV head of marketing Jill Thomas leaves next week to work at Butlins to promote their live music weekends, while HMV commercial development manager Lydia Thompson is departing to join Sony Network Entertainment.

Anyone who’s worked with Richard will know what an irrepressible character he is – always upbeat and positive, and during his time with HMV he’s developed quite a reputation both within the business and the wider games industry for his unique communication style and commitment to delivering results,” said HMV head of games and technology Phil Browes.

"I’ve only had the pleasure of working directly with Rich over the past couple of months, but in that short time I’vefound his professionalism and dedication to HMV and the Games Category second to none. Richard has made a great many friends here and within our sector, andI know he will be sorely missed. We wish him well in hisAntipodean endeavours."