Cashmore to be digital director at Blackwell’s

Blackwell’s bookshop chain has appointed Matthew Cashmore as its new digital director, tasked with “integrating physical sales with digital” as the company prepares to sell the Nook e-reader and offer students CourseSmart digital textbook loans.

Cashmore joins Blackwell from Hachette UK, where he was digital development director.

Blackwell’s m.d. David Prescott said: “This new appointment represents a key and necessary driver in us delivering our business plan and a return to profitability. It is an exciting time for the bookshops—we will continue to be flexible to suit the needs of our customers while providing them with the same first-class customer service they expect from a Blackwell’s bookshop.”

The chain bookseller is likely to begin selling the Nook in its stores next week, along with other retailers including Foyles and John Lewis. It is also planning to offer students the choice of renting a digital textbook through CourseSmart as part of its new digital offering for the 2013 academic year.

Cashmore’s new role will provide a framework to support Blackwell’s in delivering its business plans.