QVC, Inc. Appoints John Thomas Chairman and CEO, QVC Japan

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Sep 01, 2011, 03:52 ET

WEST CHESTER, Pa., Sept. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- QVC announced today the promotion of John Thomas to the role of Chairman and CEO of QVC Japan, effective immediately. Thomas has served as interim CEO since May and Chairman of the Board of QVC Japan since 2009, building strong relationships with QVC's Japan team. Thomas will continue in his Chairman role in addition to his CEO responsibilities.

"John is a seasoned executive who will lead our team to provide outstanding customer experiences and deliver strong business results," said QVC's President and CEO, Mike George, to whom Thomas reports. "John embodies our values and is a great culture fit with our Japan team. His pioneering spirit, commitment to excellence, and ability to collaborate effectively with our global team members will guide him as he takes on this new leadership role."

Thomas joined QVC in January 2011 as Senior Vice President, Global Business Development. In this role, Thomas was responsible for developing QVC's market expansion strategy, which included leading efforts to investigate markets, prioritize expansion plans, prepare detailed entry plans, and negotiate agreements with potential partners. He also shared best practices and provided general project management support across all of QVC's business markets for major facilities projects and headquarters expansions.

Thomas previously served as Project Manager for the launch of QVC Italy and oversaw the design and construction of the Milan headquarters. As a consultant, he established close working relationships with QVC leaders as they established global growth plans, and helped guide the company's developing network of global support systems.

Prior to joining QVC, Thomas served as the President and CEO of Global Marketing and Consulting Enterprises, Inc. since 2000. From 1997 to 2000, he was Executive Vice President of Samkoo Corporation of America, Samkoo System Integration L.C., where he managed the U.S. buying office for Samkoo Shopping Korea. He also served as President and Partner of Specialty Products Global L.C. since 1994, where he researched, funded, and implemented the national rollout of retail store operations.

"Thomas has more than 25 years of experience in CEO and executive assignments within fast-paced, high-growth industries, with a focus on technology and marketing companies," added George. "His varied roles across global, retail operations will greatly benefit QVC Japan and build upon the strong leadership team already in place."

QVC is the majority shareholder of QVC Japan, Inc. An interest in QVC Japan, Inc. is also held by Mitsui & Co., Ltd. Headquartered in Tokyo, Mitsui & Co., Ltd. is a diversified comprehensive trading, investment, and service company.

About QVC

QVC, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Liberty Media Corporation attributed to the Liberty Interactive Group (Nasdaq: LINTA), is one of the largest multimedia retailers in the world. QVC is committed to providing its customers with thousands of the most innovative and contemporary beauty, fashion, jewelry and home products. Its programming is distributed to approximately 195 million homes worldwide. The company's website, QVC.com, is ranked among the top general merchant Internet sites. With operations in the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan and Italy, West Chester, Pa.-based QVC has shipped more than a billion packages in its 25-year history. QVC, Q, and the Q Ribbon Logo are registered service marks of ER Marks, Inc.

SOURCE QVC, Inc.