The Bookseller.com

1st December 2008

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New Blackwell boss keeps global vision

11.09.08 Catherine Neilan

Blackwell UK's new c.e.o Andrew Hutchings has pledged to expand the business' global reach, particularly within China and India, while continuing to improve the retailer's back-office efficiency.

Hutchings, who was promoted to the role this week after Vince Gunn stepped down by "mutual agreement", said improving efficiency was his main aim, having been charged with "realising the synergies" between Blackwell's Book Services and Blackwell Retail.

Speaking to The Bookseller from BBS' north American headquarters in Oregon, Hutchings said: "Up until this point, the two parts were very much run as separate businesses. The clear brief from the board is to look at it as a single business, and to make it as efficient as possible by combining areas where appropriate."

Hutchings said he was planning to start with a review in which he would visit all of the UK branches, working with colleagues on the retail side "to get fully up to speed".

He said that he would not change plans to introduce the print-on-demand Espresso machine, and explained there would be “more of the same on the retail side”. "On the development of the brand and selling strategy, it will be very much a continuation of the work Vince and Sue Townsend have been undertaking,” he said.

Hutchings has been c.e.o. of Book Services since March 2007 and has been at the company for some 20 years.

Gunn, ex-Mothercare and The Body Shop, joined Blackwell three-and-a-half years ago, has not yet decided his next steps. He told The Bookseller he was "considering a number of options".

Retail Vince Gunn Catherine Neilan Blackwell Retail Andrew Hutchings