PC Retail

DABS: Dabs has pulled off a major coup with the hiring of DSGi's commercial director to the same position at the online retailer. DAVID GOULD, who has 16 years of experience in the IT industry, had been at DSGi since 2002, but joined Dabs late last month.

Gould will be responsible for the firm's strategy, direction of buying, product management, stock and supply chain management, customer services and facilities management within the business.

"David is a dedicated, talented and versatile manager who's passionate about making a positive different in an industry of which he has a wealth of knowledge," commented Dabs' chief executive Simon Curry. "We're delighted he has joined the executive team at Dabs and we are sure he will be hugely successful.

WESTCOAST: SIMON DOE has rejoined Westcoast after a break of ten years to become its independent retail manager. Doe joins the distributor after working as an operations manager at another firm.

He told PC Retail he came back to take up the sales position, because that's what he enjoyed most. "It's a challenge, but that's what I wanted in the job. I'm looking forward to working with the UK's independent retailers."

WOOLWORTHS: STEVE JOHNSON, the man credited with turning around the then failing home improvement store Focus, has been appointed as the new chief executive of Woolworths.

He takes up what has been described by some commentators as the toughest job in retail. While Woolworth's distribution arm EUK has managed to turn itself round after losing the contract to supply entertainment products to Tesco, its retail arm still has serious problems.

Speaking about Johnson's appointment, chairman of Woolworths Richard North said: "We are delighted that Steve will be joining Woolworths. With his strong background in both retail and consultancy, together with his particular experience in achieving a turnaround at Focus, he brings the strategic and operational skills that the Group needs to help it move to the next stage of development."

Johnson added: "I am very excited to be joining the Group. Woolworths is a well-loved high street brand operating in attractive markets, while the EUK and 2 entertain businesses have grown to hold market-leading position in their respective markets."