Waterstone's new boss plans "complete overhaul" of infrastructure

He said that he planned to introduce a stock control and Epos system next year.

In an email to staff, Daunt said Waterstone’s “approach to buying must change”.

In the email, seen by The Bookseller, Daunt also said Waterstone’s must have an “entrepreneurial bookselling spirit”.

Mamut acquired the book chain from embattled entertainment retailer HMV.

Since Daunt, who runs successful London independent book chain Daunt Books, joined as managing director two weeks ago, commercial director Michael Neil, operations director Roger Childs and head of books Toby Bourne have exited the retailer.

Daunt said: “The approach to buying must change and I have taken direct responsibility for the commercial team. I will be working closely with them, and with the shops, to ensure that as we enter the crucial final quarter of the year, we do so with our shops stocked to the best possible effect.

“It is essential that our shops continue to deserve the respect and loyalty of their customers. We will achieve this by presenting our shops, and the books within them, with real flair.

“This will require much greater local initiative by those of you in the shops, and an emphasis on assistance and best practice rather than prescription by those of us working to support the shops.”

Daunt has appointed head of retail operations Steve Clark as operations director. He also made Helen Baker, formerly head of e-commerce and digital, IT and e-commerce director. Ros Hines, formerly retail design manager, becomes head of marketing.