GAME: Gibbs goes

One of GAME’s most high profile execs will leave the High Street retailer on July 29th.

Martyn Gibbs is regional MD at the Group, looking after stores in the UK, EIRE, Scandinavia and Czech Republic. He is leaving to ‘pursue his career in other areas.’

GAME has moved swiftly to replace him with mobile phone expert and former Vodafone exec Tom Devine taking his place. Devine was most recently MD of Mobile Phones Direct, and previously was in charge of Vodafone’s consumer sales and retail divisions.

We are very pleased to welcome Tom," said GAME’s CEO Ian Shepherd. Shepherd also joined from Vodafone last year.

"He brings huge energy and expertise to our Group, and will focus on delivering key areas of our strategy. Our dedicated teams across Europe are rapidly adapting their specialist services to meet the changing needs of gamers, and Tom will be responsible for leading their success.”

I am very grateful to Martyn for his contribution to our businesses over the past eight years, and the team and I wish him the very best for the future.”

Devine added: I am delighted to be joining at this exciting time. The GAME and Gamestation teams have a great reputation, and are in an excellent position to deliver a new style of multi channel games retailing. I believe their strategy is strong, and I’m looking forward to joining the team on their pioneering journey.”

Devine joins the Group immediately. Gibbs will leave on July 29th after completing a full handover.

Meanwhile, the Group’s internal structure will be revised. The firm says the main change is that the UK Marketing team will join the Online and CRM teams in reporting to chief marketing officer Dave Hughes.

Gibbs was MD of GameStation when GAME swooped for the chain in 2007. He has been a key voice at the firm, even announcing the upcoming Gamefest at this year’s video game BAFTAs.

He has also previously worked as head of games at HMV and at WH Smith.