Dixons ad chief moves to Staples

Staples has appointed former Dixons director John Laidlaw as marketing supremo following the departure of Joe Irons to Body Shop.

Laidlaw, previously Dixons' group advertising and research director, joins Staples two months after former Virgin Retail boss Andy Randall took the helm as managing director.

Staples plans massive expansion over the next few years. Laidlaw said: 'As the company enters a challenging phase in retail strategy, I hope to be able to provide a strong marketing programme that will move Staples forward.'