Homebase hunts board-level chief

Sainsbury’s DIY chain Homebase is looking for a board-level marketing director for the first time.

The new post combines functions such as market research and statistics, as well as financial functions and communications and advertising, which were previously handled separately.

The creation of the position does not affect the structure of Homebase’s marketing department, which is led by head of marketing Mike Samuel. The new marketing director will report directly to the chain’s managing director, Ross McLaren.

Samuel says the creation of the post is a function of Homebase’s increased size.

In 1994, it took over the Texas Homecare chain from Ladbroke and this year it has completed rebranding the Texas stores as Homebase. The combined chain consists of just under 200 stores.

Homebase spends nearly 16m a year on advertising through Abbott Mead Vickers.BBDO. It recently linked with Air Miles and has this week launched its first television ad campaign, with a promotional scratchcard that offers 4 million Air Miles in prizes.