Blackwell Director Profiles
Andrew Hutchings - Blackwell Group CEO
Andrew is a longstanding Blackwell employee having joined the business in 1987. Appointed BBS UK Managing Director in March 2005 and Blackwell Book Services CEO in March 2007, throughout his tenure he has helped deliver countless projects including the acquisition of Everett's Library Services and more recently Houtschild Library Booksellers in The Hague, adding to Blackwell's portfolio of businesses in the US (Portland, Oregon, Blackwood, New Jersey), Oxford, England and Sydney, Australia.
Martyn Osborne - Finance Director
Martyn has extensive experience both in the UK and internationally including two major multi-site retail organisations. Previously, he was Group Financial Controller at Mothercare plc. Other roles include: Chief Financial Officer at Brooks Brothers Inc (USA) and Group Financial Controller at Marks and Spencer plc.
Sue Townsend - Retail Director
Sue has a strong commercial track record in UK and international retail. Previously held positions include senior roles at BHS and Mothercare where she was responsible for 100 stores with a turnover of £200m as well as launching the French Okaidi brand into Mothercare stores. Having successfully been the Managing Director of her own retail consultancy business, she joined Blackwell in 2005 as part of the turnaround team. As Commercial Director Sue and her team have developed an award-winning marketing and promotional calendar strategically moving the brand away from discount retailing.
She has transformed Blackwell's non-book offering and has completed the transition of sourcing from the UK to far East. The retail division has seen a large calendar of new shop openings including the new London flagship at Wellcome Collection, Euston aligned with a comprehensive refit schedule and the ever-growing Connect and strategic partnerships programme. Accreditations achieved: Academic Shop of the Year 2006, 2007, 2008; Retail Chain of the Year 2007; Bookselling Company of the Year 2007; Retail Week Shop Manager of the Year 2007 (Daryll Thrush-Denning, Blackwell, South Bridge); Retail Week Rising Star Buyer of the Year (Jo Partlett).
Claire Zuurbier - Director of e-Commerce
Claire brings a diverse set of skills and experience across Commercial Management, Customer Service, Communication and Operational Delivery, all developed across a variety of roles within BAA plc. Being involved in e-Commerce from its infancy in the 90's, she would now be considered a veteran of this medium and is passionate about the opportunities digital channels offer today's retail business.
Liz Jones - Director of Human Resources
Liz has gained her HR expertise working across a range of industries including retail, manufacturing and transport. She has successfully delivered HR solutions and implemented change programmes in organisations and cultures as diverse as London Underground, Superdrug and Rank Hovis McDougall (now Premier Foods).
