Blockbuster shifts executives
By Cheryl Cheng -- Video Business, 4/22/2008
APRIL 22 | Blockbuster has made a number of structural changes among several areas of the company, from IT operations to finance.
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Goonetilleke
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• Eight-year Blockbuster veteran Anuraj Goonetilleke has been promoted to VP of finance and strategic analysis, budgeting and planning. Formerly the senior director of finance and strategic analysis, Goonetilleke will be responsible for customer analytics, budgeting, long-range planning and finance for the retailer’s North American and international operations. “Anuraj’s comprehensive analytic skills and experience have been valuable in helping us identify, prioritize and implement key strategic initiatives for the company, and we look forward to his continued contributions in this expanded role,” said Mary Bell, Blockbuster senior VP of finance and treasury.
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Whatley
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• James W. Whatley has been promoted to Blockbuster VP of global franchise and international corporate operations, from VP of franchise operations and administration. In his new role, Whatley will oversee the corporate, franchised and licensed operations of approximately 3,000 stores in all 19 international markets outside North America. “Jimmy has done a tremendous job at Blockbuster, and his more than 20 years of operational leadership is an asset to our organization,” said Steve Krumholz, senior VP of asset management. “He has a proven track record both within and outside the company. We look forward to the contributions he’ll continue to make in his expanded role.”
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Walsh (l.) and Debnar
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• In an effort to build its IT leadership ranks, Blockbuster has appointed Kathleen Walsh VP of corporate services and Michael Debnar VP of retail applications. “Kathy and Mike are seasoned professionals whose business rigor and technology experience will be an asset to the company as we work to further establish and improve the core business applications supporting Blockbuster’s mission to be the most convenient source for media entertainment,” said Keith Morrow, chief information officer at Blockbuster. “Their experience across a wide range of disciplines will have a positive impact on both the corporate and store operation sides of our business.” Walsh will oversee corporate IT applications, compliance and information security. Debnar will be responsible for the re-architecture and delivery of new retail systems functionality.
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Alleman
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• Blockbuster also named Kim Alleman senior VP of human resources. “Throughout her extensive career, Kim has been instrumental in helping companies successfully align people with the strategic goals of their organizations,” said Eric Peterson, Blockbuster executive VP, general counsel and secretary. Alleman was a consultant at Buck Consultants.
