QVC recruits sourcing pro Birkins

By Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 2/28/2007 12:11:00 PM

West Chester, Pa. – Multi-platform retailer QVC, Inc. has named Rod Birkins senior vp of global sourcing and design & development. The position was previously held by Bob Ayd, who was promoted to chief merchandising officer of the $7 billion retailer in October 2006.

With more than 30 years of merchant and supply chain experience, Birkins was most recently president of Sears Buying Services, responsible for all sourcing, quality control, legal compliance, technical design, and international office operations. Previously he served as president of JCPenney Purchasing Corp., where he was responsible for all sourcing and international office operations.

“Rod has a unique understanding of the overall retail process – from design inception to final sale to the customer. QVC will also benefit greatly from his expertise in international sourcing, quality control, offshore operations, and management of large diverse groups of people,” said Ayd, to whom Birkins will report.