Tesco video games boss Hayes departs for Activision

The games buying manager at UK supermarket behemoth Tesco, Jon Hayes, has left the firm.

He will be replaced by Alison Mair, who is buying manager of newspapers and magazines. She has been in the entertainment team for five years having previously worked with DVDs.

Hayes has left Tesco to take up a new role as channel controller for Call of Duty publisher Activision.

I’d like to thank Jon for his years of dedication in developing the games proposition at Tesco,” said head of media and entertainment Mark Green.

He consistently grew our share. His passion for games and the games market is clear, and he has not just delivered for Tesco but has focused on growing and developing the gaming market for the benefit of our industry.

Alison brings great experience and I’d like to congratulate and welcome her to the games team.”

Hayes added: I’ve had a fantastic four and a half years at Tesco and want to thank my team past and present for all the support and great times we have had.

I’d also like to thank the wider Tesco team for helping achieve some great successes, including brilliant launches and developing new ways to sell games. Tesco is now seen as a great games retailer and is respected in the industry.

The games department is now in a really great place and I believe there will be lots of success for the team in the future.”