Play.com chief to run 'e-pharmacy’ Chemist Direct

Mitesh Soma, the man who launched online pharmacy business Chemist Direct from his garden shed, has hired the outgoing managing director of Play.com to increase the size of the business internationally.

Mr Soma, who in 2007 launched what has grown to become Europes largest online chemist, has recruited Stuart Rowe as chief executive.

Mr Rowe has spent six years at music and entertainment retailer Play.com, prior to which he was e-commerce director of HMV, the ailing high street retailer.

Mr Soma, a former management consultant who started the business with his wife Krishna, who is the companys chief pharmacist, hopes Mr Rowe will boost sales, having reached an annual turnover of 15m a year and running at an operating profit on a month-by-month basis.

Chemist Direct has one million customers and sells in excess of 30,000 products at discount prices, stocking health, beauty lines and medicines. Prescription medicines can be ordered online.

He said: Its a sizeable business with real potential. Stuart brings his knowledge of the [online retailing] sector.

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Play.com chief to run 'e-pharmacy’ Chemist Direct