Dave Coates has been named finance director of London-based HMV Europe, effective April 19. Coates, who is currently director of financial services at U.K. department-store chain Debenhams, will report to HMV Europe managing director Steve Knott in his new role.
“With over 16 years experience in the retail sector,” says Knott, “Dave Coates brings with him considerable financial, strategic and commercial skills.” Knott also praises Coates’ “passion for and understanding of High Street [mainstream] retailing.”
HMV Europe, the largest division of HMV Group, operates 172 stores in the U.K. and seven in Ireland. The company intends to open 20 more stores by the end of April 2005, adding some 100,000 square feet of trading space.
The finance director post had been vacant since the departure of Peter Hill last year.