Eric Gilbertsons career at Great Universal Stores is over.


Gilbertson, known as "the Don" by print suppliers, was the firms publications director and was suspended prior to Christmas, pending the outcome of an internal inquiry into print buying practices at its home shopping division. The enquiry has been concluded, "and the result of it is that Eric Gilbertson is no longer working for GUS home shopping" said a spokeswoman.


In the wake of Gilbertsons departure, Argos publications and new media manager Steve Haithwaite has been promoted to a newly-created group-wide role, and becomes general manager of publications for the Argos Retail Group, including the GUS brands. The flagship brands alone account for some 28m catalogues per season.


Haithwaite has worked at Argos for seven years, and prior to that was with Next and Grattan.


"Im delighted with the new position, its a new era as far as home shopping is concerned," said Haithwaite. "Our print roster covers Europe and the UK, and Ill be reviewing the whole thing, the whole concept of our print supplier list, how we work with them and how we both win."


UK print suppliers welcomed the news. "Steve is very well-respected in the trade, and his track record speaks for itself. Its great to see someone of his pedigree come through," said one web printer.


Haithwaites new role includes strategic support for sister firms Halens in Sweden and Wehkamp in Holland. "Its a big remit, but theres a great team of people in Milton Keynes and Manchester. The quality of this team is a testament to Eric," he added.


CTP is high on the list of priorities. "We produce phenomenal volumes of continuous stationery and forms that could and should be CTP. And 20,000 catalogue pages a year is a lot of repro to reduce that by going CTP and high-res workflow will help us and the bottom line."


Haithwaites remit also includes the asset management and new media databases used for electronic repurposing of content.


Story by Jo Francis