Entertainment retailer HMV has appointed former Amazon executive Sarah Hughes as head of online with immediate effect.

Hughes will head a 15-strong online content and display team within the HMV marketing department in what is a newly-expanded role, and will report to HMV marketing director Graham Sim.

Hughes joins from etailer Amazon, where she has worked for the past five years in its media department, most recently as its head of DVD buying.

Before this she worked for defunct Woolworths-owned entertainment wholesaler Entertainment UK in a variety of commercial roles. She also worked for high street retailer MVC.

HMV said it has achieved strong online sales growth since revamping its website platform across both the HMV and Waterstone’s brands.

Online sales in the 52 weeks to April 25, 2009 were up 16% at HMV.

Hughes said: “The exciting opportunity presented by HMV to help further develop its online presence was one I felt I simply couldn’t miss.”