Homeserve in trawl for marketing services boss

Homeserve, the home emergency services provider, is looking for a marketing services director as it seeks to boost customer awareness of its brand.

The new appointee will report to Edward Fitzmaurice, who runs the warranties division at Homeserve.

In 2006, the company acquired Pilkington Glazing and launched its consumer-facing emergency repairs service. It is split into three divisions: Homeserve GB, Homeserve Retail Warranties and emergency repairs.

Homeserve GB marketing director Geoff Love says the company is expecting huge growth on the warranties side. Love works alongside new business development director Charlie Herbert, who joined the company in 2005 from British Gas, where he was head of marketing.

At Homeserve, Love replaced Andrew Ground, a former Sainsbury’s marketer credited with signing Jamie Oliver to front the supermarket’s advertising. He left the company in November last year to be UK managing director of LoveFilm, the online video rental service.

Ground’s departure followed the appointment of Jon Florsheim as Homeserve executive director and chief executive. Florsheim was formerly chief operating officer at BSkyB.

The new marketer will be tasked with developing the marketing services function across all products, clients, channels and media, including creative, targeting, print and fulfilment. As well as driving improved targeting of direct marketing activities, the new recruit will take responsibility for the development of the online channel for the company.

Last year, Homeserve appointed 7Stars to handle its £3m media planning and buying account (MW April 6, 2006).