Former Game chief executive Ian Shepherd is to take up a role at headhunter Barracuda Search to lead its new digital division.

Ian Shepherd

The search firm said it would benefit from Shepherd’s experience in running commercial operations, creating digital strategies and change management.

Shepherd, who has previously worked at BSkyB and Vodafone UK, exited Game last March after the business collapsed into administration. Investment firm OpCapita subsequently acquired the business from PwC to run a slimmed-down version of the games retailer.

Barracuda has established its digital division to help retailers “adapt to the new digital age”, the company said. It will sit alongside its current Barracuda Search, Barracuda Interim and G2exec divisions. Shepherd, who starts his new role on Monday, said: “Retailers are facing big structural change as they reinvent themselves for the digital era.”

In a joint statement Barracuda joint managing directors Jamie Zuppinger and Justin Linger said that Shepherd’s experience will complement Barracuda’s existing divisions.