Former HMV director welcomed into Branson's stable
Virgin Retail has appointed former HMV executive Simon Douglas to the position of executive director (retail).

His role will be to co-ordinate all of the Virgin Megastores chain's customer-facing activity across DVDs, music and games. Douglas was formerly a senior director at HMV, responsible for the retailer's UK and European store portfolio.

Virgin Retail executive chairman John Jackson said: 'In an ever-increasing competitive trading environment it is vital that Virgin Retail continues to be a major force going forward in our specialist sector. Simon's experience and energy are going to make a major difference to Virgin Megastores.'