Argos hires top EMI executive Bertrand Bodson as new digital director

Bodson, who took a seat on Argos’ executive board when he joined on Monday, reports to managing director John Walden in a role the retailer said was “central to bringing to life the vision for Argos to be a digital retail leader”.

Belgian Bodson was executive vice president for digital globally at EMI and beforehand spent four years at Amazon in the US and Europe, where he built its DVD rental business, which is now branded Lovefilm.

He was also co-founder of Bragster.com, the largest social community for “bragging, boasting and daring”, which is now owned by Guinness World Records.

Argos managing director John Walden said Bodson would be “critical to helping reinvent Argos as a digital business”.

He said: “We are delighted that Bertrand has joined Argos at this exciting time for our business. He will spearhead our efforts to make digital channels – online, mobile and tablet – the primary experiences for our customers, while making the most of our 30,000 colleagues and our national store network.  

Bodson added: “It’s a great time to join Argos and I am excited by the spirit of the people and the sense of urgency to make the digital vision a reality. With combined strengths in the local store network and digital channels already, I believe Argos is well positioned for the future.”