Music and books retailer HMV today named former Emap chief executive Sir Robin Miller as its next non-executive chairman.
Sir Robin will take over from EMI executive chairman Eric Nicoli, who is due to step down from the HMV post at the start of February.
Nicoli became chairman of HMV in March 2001 and oversaw the company’s flotation on the London Stock Exchange a year later.
He said 18 months into HMV’s life as a listed company was the right time to move on: “I feel that this is a natural point for me to hand over to a new chairman who will see the company through the next phase of its development.”
Nicoli added that Sir Robin would be an “excellent” chairman. Sir Robin retired from the board of Emap in January after serving as chief executive and non-executive chairman.
He began his career at the media company in 1965 as a junior reporter on Motor Cycle News, moving through the ranks to become chief executive 20 years later. Emap currently has a market value of around £2bn.
HMV chief executive Alan Giles described Sir Robin as a “first class businessman with a proven track record in the media and consumer industries”.
He added: “He brings a great deal of experience and wisdom to the group and I very much look forward to working with him.”
HMV Group was created four years ago when EMI span off HMV and Dillons and the new business bought Waterstone’s from WH Smith on the same day.
The group has around 520 shops worldwide, including 200 Waterstone’s outlets. In September, HMV reported a flat summer sales performance with like-for-like business up 0.3% in the 21 weeks to 20 September.
References: EGi News 07/11/03
