Simon Fox: 'My legacy will be that we've survived'

Retail Week speaks to Fox as the entertainment retailer this morning revealed he will be replaced by former Jessops boss Trevor Moore.

Why are you leaving now?

I’ve been here for the last six years. The first three years were fantastic, with great profit growth. But in December 2010 we really hit a wall, and we were in crisis management mode for the next 18 months.

But we’ve survived, when survival was the best possible outcome.

We’re now in calm waters. We’ve sold Live, we’ve refinanced, and it feels like the right time to hand over.

We’ve got momentum in the business now, we’ve got the wind behind us rather than a hurricane in our face.

What will be your legacy at HMV?

When I look back at the most recent 18 months, my legacy will be that we’ve survived.

I built supplier relationships to the highest level they’ve ever been at, and it’s thanks to those relationships we’re survived.

The relationships with the banks are also very strong and the year ahead will be profitable.

I’ve been through it all, the good times and the bad. But I feel proud and comfortable that it’s the right time.

What does Trevor Moore need to do at HMV?

There’s always a lot to do when you’re in a market that changes so fast. We’ve had good success with technology and Trevor comes from a technology background. I’m sure he’ll want to continue to see how multichannel offer can be improved, and also how digital can be a more important part of HMV’s future.

And in games, the high street competition has changed, so there’s an opportunity there.

What makes him the right person for the job?

Jessops is a specialist retailer, like HMV, and in store customer experience is very important to Trevor. Multichannel has been a part of Jessops’ turnaround.

And also Jessops was rescued at least in part by supplier relationships, with the camera brands. It’s been through challenging times. He’ll be a good leader.

What will you do next?

I’ve got a few irons in the fire. I don’t want to be gardening for too long, if at all! I’m here until Trevor joins and I hope to get something soon after that. I’d be very happy to take on a chief executive role.

Will you stay in retail?

I don’t want to tempt fate! I have loved working in the retail industry and the entertainment industry.

What’s your proudest achievement?

The growth of technology, the team I built and the relationships with suppliers and the banks.