James Kydd to exit Virgin Media

James Kydd, Virgin Media managing director of brand and marketing, is leaving the company at the end of September. It is understood that he is currently considering a range of options.

The company is seeking a replacement for Kydd, who has been with the company since 2006. He joined Virgin Media as managing director of marketing following the merger of cable companies NTL and Telewest and its subsequent acquisition of Virgin Mobile. His role was extended to include internal branding last year following the promotion of Ashley Stockwell to managing director of people (MW†September 26).

Kydd has been key to driving the company’s relaunch as Virgin Media and has overseen as series of high profile campaigns aimed at building brand awareness. He says that he is “proud of the great work” that the Virgin Media marketing team has done but adds that it is “time for a new challenge”.

Virgin Media chief executive Neil Berkett says: “In an industry not traditionally know for its creative marketing, his work has helped put the Virgin media brand firmly on the map and establish a distinctive voice for the company.”