Last checked at 8 Feb 2012 07:00
News Release
8 February 2012
MOTHERCARE ANNOUNCES NEW CEO
Mothercare plc has today announced the appointment of Simon Calver as its new Chief Executive Officer. Mr Calver, 47, will join the Mothercare board as CEO on 30 April 2012 at which time Alan Parker will resume his role as non-executive Chairman. Mr Calver joins Mothercare from his role as Chief Executive of LOVEFiLM International, part of Amazon Inc.
Mr Calver has been CEO of LOVEFiLM International, since 2005, during which time it was acquired by Amazon Inc. He led the merger of Video Island with LOVEFiLM to create Europe's leading online DVD rental service and has grown the business into the UK's third largest subscription entertainment service. Prior to this he was President and Chief Operating Officer of Riverdeep Inc, the educational software development firm, where he focused on the turnaround of an international education software company based out of San Francisco and Ireland; Vice President and General Manager, Home and Small Business, UK and Ireland at Dell Computer Corporation (Ireland) where he played a pivotal role in growing the business by 40% year on year and consolidating its number one position in the UK and Ireland; and Vice President International Sales Operations at PepsiCo Inc where he had International responsibility for Pepsi Cola sales operations strategy and capability building with company owned operations and franchisees. Mr Calver began his career at Lever Brothers Ltd followed by Coopers Deloitte Management Consultancy in the Strategy and Marketing Group.
Commenting on the appointment, Alan Parker, Chairman, said: "Simon Calver is a highly successful business leader with experience heading multinational consumer facing organisations. His e-commerce and brand expertise will enable Mothercare to accelerate its development as a multi-channel retailer in the UK and his international perspective will be invaluable to the continued rapid expansion of Mothercare and Early Learning Centre globally."
Simon Calver said: "I am delighted to be joining Mothercare and to have the opportunity to lead this iconic company as we work to consolidate its position as one of the world's leading parenting groups. Whilst there are near term challenges ahead, I am committed to the recovery of the UK business and the accelerated growth of these aspirational brands around the world."
No further information is required to be disclosed in respect of Simon Calver pursuant to Listing Rule 9.6.13R (1) to (6).
ENDS
For further information:
Mothercare - Alan Parker, Chairman, Tel: 01923 206323
Brunswick - Catherine Hicks/Catriona McDermott/Helen Smith Tel: 020 7404 5959