HMV has appointed Gerry Johnson as executive director with immediate effect.

“We are delighted to welcome Gerry Johnson as a new executive director,” said Carl Symon, chairman of HMV. “Gerry has led the Waterstones team through the successful integration of Ottakars, and the continuing re- shaping of our books business. His leadership of these activities, together with his experience prior to joining Waterstone's in 2005, will make for a broad contribution to the Group Board.”

The managing director of Waterstone’s led the book retailer through the acquisition of rival Ottakars. Before that he worked at Booker, where he spent four years in charge of the £3.5 billion wholesale operation.