​HMV has made two internal promotions in newly created roles

The specialist retailer has promoted previous head of music and technology, David Athey, to the role of commercial director, while head of marketing Kate Longbottom has assumed marketing responsibilities.

The appointments arrive after HMV’s former marketing and commercial director, Patrizia Leighton, departed for “new challenges” following a 12-year stint at the retailer.

Athey has been with HMV for 35 years. He started as a sales assistant before climbing the ranks of senior positions within the film and TV branch of the business. 

His new role will see him be responsible for all commercial aspects of the buisness, including the development of its European offer to build on strong supplier relationships and maintaining its position as a “leader on the high street”.

Longbottom will be oversee all the retailer’s marketing activities across the store estate as well as across advertising, marketing, PR, and the online business. 

HMV managing director Phil Halliday said: “We’re thrilled to announce the promotion of David from head of music and technology to commercial director and Kate as our head of marketing.

“David has been with us for over 30 years now and holds a deep understanding of the business as well as vast experience and expertise across music, film, and TV, which we will lean on heavily as we look to continue the business’ growth and expansion.

“Kate has been a longstanding member of the team and will be an outstanding marketing lead. With a focus on building our brand across the UK and in our nascent markets of Ireland and Belgium, she will also put renewed focus on bringing consumers into our local stores as well as driving our ecommerce offer.”