Argos appoints former Safeway marketer

Argos has appointed former Safeway marketing chief Karen Bray as marketing director.

Bray begins on July 12 and initially will take on the role for six months. Previous marketing director Paul Geddes was poached by the Royal Bank of Scotland to be marketing strategy managing director for retail banking at the RBS Group (MW January 15).

Bray is one of the first appointments to be made by Argos managing director Sara Weller, who started at the retailer this week. Weller has also appointed David Robinson as head of product marketing in place of Stephen Clarke, who is joining WH Smith as marketing director. Robinson was previously a trading manager for Argos. Head of brand marketing Helen Page is on maternity leave. Many tipped her to take over from Geddes when he left the company.

Bray left Safeway last summer by mutual agreement (MW June 12, 2003) in the middle of the takeover battle for the supermarket, which was eventually won by Wm Morrison. During her time at Safeway, Bray oversaw a creative review, appointing Clemmow Hornby Inge.

Argos’ advertising, which is created by Euro RSCG London. MindShare handles media buying and planning for the retailer.

Operating profit at Argos, which is owned by GUS, rose from £240.8m in 2003 to £297.4m for the year ending March 31.