The management shake-up at Best Buy Europe has continued with the departures of two more directors from the electricals retailer, Retail Week has learned.

Best Buy UK commercial director Harry Parmar and UK marketing director Kevin Styles have both left their roles at the business, which is a partnership between US giant Best Buy and Carphone Warehouse.

Their departures follow that of chief executive Scott Wheway last week, online boss DeVere Forster last month and Paul Antoniadis - who launched the UK business - last year.

Parmar’s responsibilities will be shared by three people it is understood, including Ray “Bud” Beers II who has been promoted to become Best Buy’s senior commercial merchandising director from senior director, international merchandising.

The UK marketing director role will not but replaced it is understood. Best Buy Europe chief marketing officer Jeff Severts is thought likely to take on Styles’ responsibilities.

A Best Buy spokeswoman said that Styles was leaving to explore new opportunities. She said: “Over the last 18 months Kevin has been instrumental in setting up the Best Buy brand in the UK. We are sorry to see him go and wish him all the best.

“As we start 2011 and look forward to our plans to open an additional five Best Buy stores, we are seeking to further develop the multiple brands we operate within Best Buy Europe. In the coming months we will continue to organise our teams to fully support and deliver our “Connected World” strategy for our customers.”

Parmar is returning to Best Buy Canada, where he was vice-president of the service division before moving to Best Buy UK in 2009. The spokeswoman said the move was for family reasons. She said: “Since Harry joined he has spearheaded our commercial strategy ensuring that Best Buy UK successfully launched and established itself as a truly customer-centric company. We are pleased that he is staying in the wider organisation.”

News of the changes followed the promotion last week of veteran Carphone executive Andrew Harrison from chief operating officer of Best Buy Europe to president.

Wheway will continue to work for Best Buy Inc in the US.

 

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