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Prescott and Henderson depart Blackwell's
Blackwell’s c.e.o. David Prescott and sales and marketing director Phil Henderson will both depart the retailer this week.
The announcement follows on from the acquisition of Blackwell’s by Waterstones in February. Waterstones said the Blackwell’s bookshops will now be managed by their shop managers in collaboration with the wider retail team.
Prescott departs on Thursday (7th April) and Henderson the day before (Wednesday 6th April).
Prescott joined Blackwell’s in 1996 as a bookseller in Nottingham and occupied many different roles at the company before being appointed c.e.o. in 2013.
He commented: “Having spent over 26 years at Blackwell’s, including the last 10 as c.e.o., I’m sure it will feel somewhat strange not to be steering the ship anymore. However, I’m delighted to leave knowing the long-term future of the company is secured with James and his team of booksellers coming in to support ours. Everyone in bookselling knows that Blackwell’s is a special company, but it’s the people who make it what it is. It’s been a privilege to work alongside and to lead so many brilliant people for so long. I wish each and every one of them, past and present, the very best.”
Waterstones c.e.o. James Daunt said: “David has led Blackwell’s with distinction for the past 10 years, guiding the business through turbulent times. He is a bookseller of great reputation and everyone who has worked with him directly, as well as those others of us in the wider world of bookselling, owe him a great debt of gratitude. I am sure not to be alone in hoping to draw on his experience in the years ahead.”
Henderson was appointed sales and marketing director in May 2019, joining from Asda where he headed the buying of books. He commented: “It’s been a privilege to be part of Blackwell’s, even for a relatively short time. The heritage, wonderful bookshops and online growth have all been fantastic to experience, but the most important element of Blackwell’s is the people. The enthusiasm, passion and commitment of the team across the whole business to serve customers has been inspiring. I know that the fantastic bookselling skills within the business allied to that passion will mean the business continues to go from strength to strength under new ownership and I wish the team all success for the next phase of Blackwell’s history.”
A spokesperson for Waterstones said: "Blackwell’s, like Foyles, will operate as part of the Waterstones group but continue to retain its own unique identity and spirit. The bookshops will be managed by their shop managers in collaboration with the wider retail team. We are delighted to be working alongside such talented and passionate booksellers, sharing a common belief in the intrinsic importance physical bookshops provide to the local communities which we serve."
