News

Sevenoaks Sound and Vision Appoints New Managing Director (1/12/2005)

Roger Jennings has been appointed Managing Director of Sevenoaks Sound and Vision, the UK's only national, independent quality Hi-Fi and Home Cinema retail chain.

Roger was previously Chief Executive of the Austin Reed Group Plc, where he had also held the position of Retail Managing Director. He was responsible for transforming Austin Reed from a traditional retailer into a modern, diverse and successful branded retail and licensing group, growing the business to over 300 sales outlets in the UK. He remains a Non-Executive Director of Communisis plc, the leading print management company.

Commenting on his appointment Roger said:

"I am delighted to be joining such a first class business and am impressed with what they have achieved in such a competitive market. I'm looking forward to the opportunity of bringing my retail and brand management experience to the business. Our aim is to significantly grow the business and to secure the position of Sevenoaks as the leading retailer of high quality Home Entertainment in the UK."

Paul Lee-Kemp, the founder of Sevenoaks Sound & Vision and former MD, is to take up a more strategic role as Executive Chairman.

Paul said on the appointment:

"Sevenoaks Sound and Vision is poised to be the number one UK independent home entertainment retailer, but to achieve the necessary growth in sales, we need to make a big jump and that requires new thinking, new strategies and new expertise. That's why we have decided to redefine our roles within the Company and bring in 'next stage' experience from outside - in the shape of Roger Jennings - to carry us forward."

"Roger is a very experienced multi-store retailer and will bring experience and enthusiasm as well as organisational and strategic skills. All of which will benefit SS&V, both now and in the future. "

"My business partner Peter O'Brien and I will continue to own the business so we will be as keen as ever to ensure that SS&V thrives. We will be doing whatever is necessary to provide Roger and the Company with advice and support gained from our cumulative 60 years of experience."

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