DSG brings in customer services chief

DSG International, the troubled electrical retail group, has brought in former Tesco operations director Roy Perticucci to focus on customer services, as it desperately fights potential threat from the launch of American retail giant BestBuy in Europe.

BestBuy announced a £1.1bn tie-up with Carphone Warehouse last week that will allow BestBuy to open stores all across Europe, piling pressure on DSGi, formerly called The Dixons Group and the owner of Currys and PC World.

BestBuy is best known for its “Geek Squad”— a service that offers various computer related services and accessories for residential and commercial clients.

Perticucci’s appointment as operations development director will reunite him with chief executive John Browett, also formerly at Tesco. Browett is set to announce his turn-around plan for the retailer on Thursday (May 15) in an attempt to restore its failing fortunes. Analysts say that he is expected to set out a plan to improve customer service and sourcing, and also reaffirm the group’s commitment to growing as a multi-channel retailer.

Earlier this year, DSGi appointed Boston Consulting Group to conduct a strategic review of its operations. The retailer has already announced that it is closing some stores in Italy.

Perticucci is also likely to look at initiatives such as in-store changes and improving the retailer’s supply chain.