HMV hires online and marketing chief

HMV has recruited former Asda chief Mark Hodgkinson as marketing and e-commerce director.

He replaces former e-commerce director Steve Napleton, who leaves the retail chain with immediate effect.

Hodgkinson takes a dual role because of his ‘extensive marketing, e-commerce and digital skills.’ He joins from Asda where he has been working as digital and financial services director, looking after Asda.com, Asda Direct and Asda Financial Services.

He has also worked as president of business development and EVP of global marketing and digital at EMI, and has held several roles at Virgin Group, not least chief executive of Virgin Money.

Hodgkinson will take up his new role on October 5th.

"I would very much like to welcome Mark to HMV, who will bring with him tremendous marketing experience and expertise gained across a number of Industry sectors and market-leading companies, most notably in the area of loyalty, online and digital, which are key areas for HMV as we continue our transformation into a broad-based entertainment brand operating across a number of channels," said HMV CEO Simon Fox.

"I would also like to place on record my sincere thanks to Steve Napleton for his contribution to HMV, and to wish him well in his future endeavours."

Hodgkinson is the latest of Asda’s senior management to depart the retailer. Asda’s trading director Fergal Gara is also leaving the firm to take up the post of VP and MD of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, UK and Ireland.