D&A chief goes after four years

High street optician Dollond & Aitchison (D&A) has lost top marketer Alisdair Luxmoore, who resigned from the post of commercial director last week without a job to go to.

Luxmoore, who joined the company from car manufacturer Vauxhall as marketing director in 1996, says he is seeking a position in e-commerce.

Luxmoore says: “I have been with D&A for four years and I want to do something more exciting. I want a new direction in my life and am looking forward to having a good look around.”

He was responsible for relaunching D&A’s brand with a &£4.8m marketing budget. He oversaw an above-the-line campaign, which included a TV ad featuring Burt Reynolds created by Lowe Howard-Spink, now Lintas & Partners.

As commercial director, Luxmoore was also responsible for rebranding the store design and introducing new product ranges to the 400-strong chain.

Until a replacement is found, D&A chief executive Russell Hardy will oversee the commercial team, including marketing.

Hardy says: “Luxmoore has had a substantial impact on one of retail’s oldest brands.”