News
Kes Nielsen moves up at Amazon
15.04.09 | Graeme Neill
Kes Nielsen, Amazon.co.uk's director of book supply, is to move to a new job at the internet retailer as director for clothing and sporting goods from June.
In an email to publishers, Nielsen said that his direct reports, head of account management Amy Worth, and head of buying and inventory planning Mark Scruby, would report to Gordon Willoughby. Willoughby was appointed director of books in October last year.
Nielsen wrote: "Many of you will already know that I am extremely proud of Amy and Mark's respective teams. I very much look forward to hearing of all the exciting things that they (and you) achieve together in the future. As for me, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to continue honing my retail skills by working for the world's most exciting retailer in such important new categories."
Both Nielsen and Amazon.co.uk were unavailable for comment. Nielsen joined Amazon.co.uk as head of vendor relations in 2004. He was previously fiction buyer at W H Smith.
Comments on this article
By FFS
Cue angry sports and clothing retailers complaining someone with no experience of sports and clothing retailing is moving in on their pitch?15 Apr 09 08:39
By Clive Keeble
one of the good guys....and so were many indie booksellers who have been driven out of business by Amazon's predatory pricing.15 Apr 09 11:50
By Ross
Exactly - what exactly is good about him? Just because one may have met/dealt with someone doesn't make them "good", except in insufferably incestuous circles.15 Apr 09 12:17
By good guy
Im a good guy, and am just about to have to close my shop within the next 12 months, as customers who are preordering titles ready for them to come out from their favourite authors, are coming in weeks before and cancelling because amazon and others are selling the titles at 53% discount I could match the price to keep the customers happy, and i'd only LOSE £2.50 per book sold.15 Apr 09 15:24
By JULIAN RIVERS
I think you are confusing my comments about the man and your frustrations about the organisation . Kes is very switched on about indie publishers as well as the majors and a really decent guy , although he doesn't need me to say that . Suggest you dont shop in any supermarkets ,just as relevant , more actually, in destruction of the indie bookseller , even if you know someone who works for one . .15 Apr 09 16:14
By Matthew Perren
Is a move into sportswear a "move up"? Best of luck Kes15 Apr 09 18:35
By Ross
Yeah, right ... there's no disguising that there's an unspoken mutual admiration society at the top of the bookselling food chain. They are all "good guys", these smart alecs, reminiscent of the "made men" of cosa nostra fame, with nothing but good to say of each other, while they cheerily run amok in what was once a very civilised (and civlising) industry. They think we are all schmuks, us who cling to the liferafts following the sinking of the market-must-rule economy, and to the extent we don't speak up, we are. High job status at Amazon may "switch-on" some benighted souls but don't for godsake prattle on about the incumbent's goodness and decency.15 Apr 09 19:35
By David R N Livesley - Woodstock Vermont
Commentator speaks sense...Ross have a long lie down and seek help....The man is only progressing in his career and broadening his CV...cos there is more to life than books alone If you cannot seek your fortune in books then move on.....whilst the public might in years to come regret this progress and lack of choice, only time will tell. I escaped and have no regrets and many fond memories...and I'm sure.....well I seriously hope....Walker Books has moved on? Mind you they still appear to be very 'fluffy' and the bank hasn't liquidated them yet....thus one must deduce that the world is still consuming some of the cute offerings that they produce. Ross on the other hand get to 'speakers corner' where you can entertain with your verbal thoughts....16 Apr 09 01:40
By Ray Hollingsworth
I'm with Ross on this one. It's another typical piece of industry PR spin. Boring and of no significance.16 Apr 09 07:43
By COMMENTATOR
There you are ROSS , Ray Hollingsworth is your supporter . .16 Apr 09 09:19
By Ross
Commentator et al Need help? Not really. I'm doing great - mostly because it doesn't take a weatherman to know which way the wind blows (and what's blowing in it). I'm lucky to be a self-employed bookseller in a secure enough position to see through all the corporate nonsense, something not vouchsafed to the apparatchiks, time-servers and just plain arrogant employees (i.e. staff) that bedevil bookselling these days. It's not easy for them, I agree, if you are still working for the man - like Nielsen, maybe Rivers (perhaps he is the man!). Anyway it's patently obvious that the value of indies is that they aren't run by the corporations and the money men. Go see City Lights bookstore in San Francisco and wonder, really wonder, if the whole scene there would have happened if it had been your local Waterstones/Borders/W.H.Smudge robotic enclave. Correct, you've got it - that wasn't so hard, was it? Cheers Ray - hope your doing OK.16 Apr 09 14:40
By Ross
Oh, and just in case there is any frustrated proof reader out there straining at the leash, and from experience I know there will be, that should be "you're" in the last sentence. Relax. Mea Culpa.16 Apr 09 14:56
By Julian Rivers
Very strong comments from Ross. Shame he hasn't given his name . Worse than "corporate nonsense", is anonymous nonsense .16 Apr 09 15:43
By A B Seller
Ah come now Julian. Many commentators (me included) fear for their jobs, especially in this current economic climate etc etc. Remember Joe Gordron and the infamous "B*st*rdstone's" debacle? Although one may use a fake name to ensure one's anonymity, one's opinions should not be discounted. Else Bob Woodward would have told "Deep Throat" to take a hike. That aside, I worked with Kes @WS CXR. He was a good guy with a business brain. Useful tools. As Amazon, and the rest of the UK book retail trade discovered.16 Apr 09 16:06
By Ross
Oh, 'scuse me - am I to assume that everyone on this site is giving their real name? Must have missed that - there I was thinking I was speaking to Mr Commentator, Mr BSEL etc. Or are pseudonyms only OK until you touch a nerve? Just answer the points, don't worry about who is making them.16 Apr 09 16:12
By JULIAN RIVERS
Yes A.Bookseller -I understand that in the corporate world, which Ross tells us he holds in such disdane . But Ross has declared that he is an independent "self employed bookseller in a secure position ", who I guess doffs his cap to nothing and is very bold on paper . Everybody has the right to sound off and to give their views , that is what this site is for , but ravings such as his do need a name if we are to rate Ross's comments as anything more than a drunk shouting at pigeons . .16 Apr 09 16:18
By Ray Hollingsworth
No Julian - you are wrong, corporate nonsense is much worse than aka's. Thought someone like you would know better. And while I'm online - surprised we have not heard of the latest cuts at a major chain - maybe they are trying to dress that up too.16 Apr 09 16:28
By Ross
Why would you need my name in order to "rate my comments". In what way would my name possibly help you rate my comments? I understand you might feel beleagured and on the defensive, because you are (almost uniquely) using your full name on this site and I recognise that. However, I was trying to make a broader point which (believe it or not) has nothing to do with you personally. Clearly, the point was not made well enough. The only remedy I can offer is that you use a pseudonym yourself. This will obviously offer the advantages of annonymity, but detract from the authority you gain from using your real name. Devil's choice?16 Apr 09 17:02
