HMV’s new owner Doug Putman announced as keynote speaker at ERA 2019 AGM

17 July 2019 - Press release

Putman’s exclusive London appearance on September 18th comes just 6 months after his acquisition of HMV
Completing the all-star line-up of speakers will be Lesley Johnson from BBC Studios, Samantha Ebelthite from Electronic Arts and Annabella Coldrick from Music Managers Forum

The Entertainment Retailers Association AGM will take place on September 18that Dolby, Soho Square, London between 9.30am – 12.30pm.

In an exclusive interview, the Canadian business executive Putman will talk about his vision for one of the UK’s most beloved high street brands.  Following the bidding process last year, Putman secured the retail chain for £883,000 in February 2019, saving 111 stores and 1,600 jobs.  The acquisition of HMV UK came two years after it was announced that Putman had acquired HMV Canada which is now trading as Sunrise Records in Canada.  In contrast, he has kept the HMV brand on the UK high street.

Putman said: “I am delighted to accept this opportunity to address some of HMV’s most important distributors and fellow entertainment retailers as we prepare for the busy trading period ahead. I have observed an impressive and effective spirit of collaboration between UK retailers and suppliers and I am looking forward to building on these great relationships.”

ERA members will also hear suppliers’ views on the 2019 theme of ‘Innovation and Adapting to Change’.  BBC Studios Lesley Johnson will outline how the video business is adapting to new viewing habits and Samantha Ebelthite, the recently appointed Country Manager at Electronic Arts will offer insight into the company’s highly successful global subscription and physical gaming model.  CEO of Music Managers Forum, Annabella Coldrick will shine a light on the artist manager perspective of music retail with particular focus on streaming businesses.

The event will also include the ever-popular retailer panel with participants from Amazon, Sainsbury, HMV and Deezer confirmed and addresses from ERA CEO Kim Bayley and Chairman James Morton.