Scott Wheway is to stand down as chief executive of Best Buy Europe. He is replaced by Best Buy Europe chief operating officer Andrew Harrison, who has been promoted to president.
The changes are effective immediately and Wheway will continue to “provide strategy and policy advice” to Best Buy, the US electricals giant which runs the European operation in partnership with Carphone Warehouse.
Best Buy chief executive Brian Dunn said the changes did not reflect any switch of direction at the European business, which began opening big-box stores in this country last year.
He said: “Andrew has a clear vision of the connected world. He has consistently proven himself ahead of the curve in anticipating the needs of consumers and shaping differentiating retail experiences.
“This move has been planned for some time and is part of our overall strategy of integrating the Best Buy and Carphone Warehouse teams to create Europe’s leading consumer electronics retailer. I am confident in Andrew’s ability to lead the joint venture’s growth plans in Europe, which remain unchanged.”
He said: “I am pleased that Scott will continue to work with us on shaping our international strategy. I want to thank him for his contributions in guiding us through the foundation stage of Best Buy’s entry into the European market and giving us a clear strategy for progress within Europe.”
Wheway is one of several top managers to have left Best Buy Europe over the last year. Paul Antoniadis, who launched the first UK stores, left last year. Last week online boss DeVere Forster left to take a job in the Middle East.
At present Best Buy has six stores in this country, where it aims to take on market leader Dixons, owner of Currys and PC World.
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