Appliances Online has named its current chief marketing officer, James Fleet, as its new CEO.
John Winning, CEO of Winning Group and founder of Appliances Online, will still remain active in the business but, due to growth within the group, is taking a step back to focus on the group's vision.
Fleet previously worked at Appliances Online in 2009 as marketing director, and has more than 12 years' experience in roles spanning banking, tourism and electronics. He was previously general manager at ComparetheMarket.com.au and was a senior account director for perfomrance marketing at Tribal DDB.
He has been chief marketing officer at Appliances Online since July 2013. During this time he has managed the retailer's user experience, technology and sales team and launched its first social media strategy.
More recently, Appliances Online launched its first above-the-line campaign, with Fleet telling AdNews it tripled its brand awareness as a result.
Winning said Fleet's appointment will allow the company to maintain a “high-level focus” on its future direction while he looks forward on the group as a whole.
“It is crucial for us to continue to innovate, stay ahead of the curve and uphold the high level of service our customers have come to expect when shopping with us,” Winning said.
“The fast-paced nature of today’s retail landscape, in conjunction with the continued digital disruption of the sector, means retailers need to constantly evolve their business model by pushing boundaries both online and in-store.
“The ability to analyse trends, anticipate what’s next and adapt your business accordingly will be the differentiator between today and tomorrow’s successful retailers.”
Fleet said: “Having first joined Appliances Online when it was still in its start-up stage, it's incredibly humbling to see the heights it has reached and I am passionate about the exciting future that lies ahead.”
Fleet's appointment is one of several high-profile moves from CMOs into the top chair. Former Tourism Australia CMO Nick Baker announced in March he was joining RedBalloon as CEO. Also in March, Myer promoted its chief merchandising and marketing director, Daniel Bracken, to deputy CEO.
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