New MD at Waterstone’s
David Gilbert to head bookstore chain
HMV Group has appointed former Dixon’s executve David Gilbert as managing director of the HMV owned Waterstone’s book retail business.
Gilbert takes up the role on April 13, reporting to chief operating officer Brian McLaughlin. Gilbert spent 23 years at Dixons Group, most recently as chief operating officer responsible for Dixons’ high street stores and The Link mobile chain, and before that as managing director of Currys.
McLaughlin said: “I am delighted to welcome David Gilbert to the Group. He has many years’ experience in high street retailing, and a proven track record.
“We look forward to working with him as we continue to reinforce Waterstone’s role as the largest and most successful book retailer in the UK.”
Gilbert said: “I am looking forward to joining Waterstone’s as managing director. This is an exciting and dynamic business, and I have watched its growth as a specialist retailer over the years with a great deal of interest.
“Waterstone’s is in very good shape as it moves into the next phase of turnaround and I am very pleased to be part of the team to take it forward. I am confident that my long standing interest in literature coupled with my 27 years in retailing will prove to be a winning combination.”
