The Bookseller.com

29th August 2008

Wordley made redundant at Foyles

14.03.08 Graeme Neill

Foyles' commercial director Vivienne Wordley has been made redundant from the independent retailer after six years. The decision comes following a review of the senior management by Foyles' board. Her responsibilities for sales, marketing and product development will now be shared between the senior management team including Kate Gunning, product director and Julia Kingsford, marketing manager.

Wordley said: "It's been a roller-coaster six years during which I've seen sales nearly doubled and had the privilege of working with some outstanding people – people with a real passion for books be they booksellers, authors or publishers. I am, of course, sad to be leaving Foyles, but I am proud of what has been achieved and know that I leave in place a great team and a revitalised company well-equipped to tackle the challenges the retail trade now faces."

Wordley joined Foyles as commercial manager in 2004 after working as a marketing consultant for the business for the previous two and a half years.

She was appointed to the board as commercial director in December 2006. Sam Husain, chief executive of Foyles, said that she had been "instrumental in rebuilding the Foyles brand". "On behalf of the board, I'd like to thank her for all the energy and commitment she has put into the business during that time and wish her well for the future."

During her time at Foyles, Wordley was involved in the opening of four new branches, at the Southbank Centre, Selfridges, St Pancras International and the forthcoming branch at White City. Husain said she also initiated two upgrades of the company's website, introduced a range of gifts & stationery both instore and online and built a commercial accounts business.

She also put together a marketing and PR team and a new buying organisation within the independent.

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