Virgin Media chief marketer Kydd expands his role after reshuffle

James%20Kydd%20Virgin%20Media%20Virgin Media has extended the role of chief marketer James Kydd, following the promotion of Ashley Stockwell to managing director of people.

Kydd, who is currently managing director of marketing, becomes managing director of marketing and brand, and will now be responsible for the internal branding, previously overseen by Stockwell.

Both men joined the cable company last summer, following the merger between NTL and Telewest, and the subsequent acquisition of Virgin Mobile (MW April 13, 2006).

They led a relaunch of the NTL and Telewest brands ahead of its relaunch as Virgin Media in February this year.

Kydd was charged with managing all aspects of consumer marketing, including overhauling the company’s marketing services roster, while Stockwell’s role included establishing Virgin brand values at the cable company.

Previously, Kydd was marketing director for Virgin Mobile, which remains under his remit at Virgin Media. Stockwell joined from Virgin Group, where he was brand marketing director, overseeing the Virgin brand (MW July 18, 2002).

A Virgin Media spokeswoman has confirmed the appointments and says Stockwell’s new role, heading the human resources function, continues his work establishing the Virgin ethos across NTL and Telewest.

He takes over from Cynthia Hultquist, who joined in January this year. It is not known if she has a job to go to.
The cable company, which is up for sale, is looking for a chief executive, following the departure of Steve Burch last month. Chief operating officer Neil Berkett is covering the role on an interim basis.