Maplin has hired former Somerfield director Oliver Meakin as its new commercial director as the electricals specialist continues to bolster its top team.
Meakin joins the retailer from restaurant group Miller & Carter, where he held the position of director of emerging concept operations, in which he assessed restaurant brands and new ventures, since January 2011.
He worked as strategy, business development and business systems director at Somerfield between May 2006 and May 2009. He has also worked for management consultants Bain & Company and OJM Advisory.
Meakin’s appointment follows that of new chief executive John Cleland – also formerly of Somerfield – and its first ever multichannel director, Ryan Thomas, who was poached from Comet earlier this year. Mike Lucas, another former Somerfield staffer joined as retail director.
However, managing director Dave Whittle exited the electronics specialist last month after 15 years at the chain to “pursue other interests”.
Serial dealmaker John Lovering was parachuted into Maplin last September. He intends to invest £40m over three-and-a-half years - the equivalent of £1m per month – to develop its multichannel business and build its store estate.
The Rotherham-based retailer currently has 200 stores and aims to increase this number to 300, including 15 new shops this year.
Last month, Maplin hired online marketing consultancy Summit to review its multichannel strategy to fully integrate its in-store and online businesses.
Maplin also revealed plans last month roll out wi-fi to all 196 stores by next June after striking a deal with The Cloud and will personalise its online promotions based on shoppers’ browsing histories.
The retailer will promote a range of tailored products and promotions via the branded wi-fi landing page when customers log on in store.
The wi-fi service will allow customers to read product reviews online, check-in, or discuss their purchases on Facebook or Twitter.
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