By Martin Vedris and James Wells
SYDNEY: Narta has officially confirmed the promotion of Michael Jackson, Gavin Carter and Darren Spencer following the departure of general manager Craig Mackie, as part of a restructure within the $3 billion Australasian buying office.
Jackson has been appointed general manager replacing Mackie who starts his new role of general manager – hardware at JB Hi-Fi on 16 July.
In an internal document obtained by Current.com.au, Narta managing director, Kay Spencer announced Gavin Carter has been promoted to replace Jackson as national merchandise manager.
“We are confident that, in his new role, he will continue to raise standards within the buying team,” Spencer said of Carter.
“We are currently searching for a suitable candidate for the role of national AV manager, however, in the interim Gavin will continue to manage this category,” Spencer said.
Another Narta employee also takes on added responsibilities in the restructure.
Darren Spencer will now perform a dual role, continuing as national cooking/seasonal manager and taking on the extra responsibility of national business development manager.
“Darren is a long-serving and valued member of the Narta team and his appointment as BDM will utilize his analytical and strategic skills,” Spencer said.
Former Narta employee Dominique Haywood has returned to the company and is expected to commence as national portable appliance manager and buying administrator, effective 1 July 2008.
“This allows Narta to give portable appliances a stronger focus and will help us to achieve greater market share in this highly profitable category,” said Spencer.
“Dom’s appointment will allow Bob Stanley to continue and develop his management of the whitegoods category. We look forward to a smooth transition over the coming months.”
In the document Spencer confirmed David Allen’s role of national digital technology manager, and all other positions within Narta, remain unchanged. Allen joined Narta in August 2007 after 17 years with Sony — he is responsible for managing key categories such as digital cameras, digital audio and car navigation.
“We are pleased that Narta has the depth of talent and experience to enable these promotions from within and look forward to the continued growth and development of the Narta team,” Spencer said.
Narta is aiming for a big year in 2008 with Spencer’s goal of wanting to achieve 25 per cent of the $11 billion Australian consumer electrical market, which she revealed at the Narta conference in San Francisco in August last year. The company is also growing in the Australasian region with its recently-launched New Zealand subsidiary, adding to its combined $3 billion turnover.