Marketing director role extinguished as focus moves online.
JB Hi-Fi has deleted the role of marketing director from its business as part of a management restructure. Kevin Ramsdale held the position over the past eight months but recently left the retailer.
JB Hi-Fi, CEO Richard Murray (pictured below) told the media recently that the changes which include Ernst & Young Consulting partner, James Saretta, becoming strategy and digital director, will see the business focus on its online, digital and marketing operations.
Current merchandise director, Cameron Trainor, will also take on the responsibility for marketing on top of his present role, while Gary Stewert becomes general manager of marketing reporting to Trainor.
According to Murray, “In many ways this formalises how we are currently operating. James will take on overall P&L and strategic responsibility for digital, which will include online. Members of the executive team will support the online/digital business as part of their broader responsibilities, with James being the champion for digital in the executive team”.
In JB’s half year results, the business reported that its online sales were up 28.9% in its half year 2016 results. This was said to be driven by strong promotion across the Chistmas period.
Online sales account for 3% of total sales and Murray has previously stated that its digital solutions would be a big focus for the business.
He said JB Hi-Fi Solutions is a “key driver of our future growth” and it will continue with its “aggressive recruitment plan” as it expands its product and service offer.