Combined Independents (Holdings) Ltd (CIH), part of Euronics* has appointed ex Walmart director Paul Goldsmith to the position of head of marketing, with immediate effect.

Paul has considerable retail marketing and brand experience from his time at Walmart Canada where he worked for nearly five years as senior director of marketing and design services.

At Walmart he led a team of professionals, implementing marketing and brand strategy to achieve the organisation’s many goals. Prior to Walmart, Paul held the post of marketing director – corporate brands at Shoppers Drug Mart, the Canadian Retail Pharmacy chain, and he also brings to CIH creative agency-side experience gained from several ad agencies in Dubai. Paul holds an MBA from the University of Leicester and has acted as an independent retail marketing consultant in the UK since November 2020.    

“We are delighted to welcome Paul to CIH as Head of Marketing,” says CIH Chairman, Steve Scogings. “His extensive marketing and brand experience with globally recognised retailers will be invaluable in supporting CIH and its members to grow in the months and years ahead. In his time at Walmart, Paul was renowned as an innovator who made things happen. He has a great track record in brand strategy and its implementation across e-commerce, social media, PR, and multi-channel digital advertising. Paul is just the person we need to take CIH marketing and our members forward to the next level.”

“The opportunity at CIH is a unique and exciting one,” adds Paul. “Unlike the vast majority of high street names, Euronics retailers are the heart and soul of many local communities across the UK and Ireland. Their humanity, high levels of service and connections into these communities has helped sustain many individuals, families and businesses during these last eighteen months. We are committed to helping our high streets build back better and I’m looking forward to working with the CIH leadership team, my colleagues and our members to tell our story, build our brand reputation and support our local communities.”

*European electrical buying organisation