The Hut Group has appointed former Play.com executive, Gian Luzio as its new product director. As part of The Hut’s continued expansion plans, Luzio will focus on strategic product development at the company’s online retail sites, TheHut.com and Zavvi.com as well as strengthening its gaming offering to customers.

Luzio brings with him a wealth of experience and knowledge in the gaming and retail sector.

As head of games at Play.com for over seven years, Luzio played a fundamental role in establishing its games offering, building the brand and solidified himself as a reputable commentator in the retail and gaming communities. While at Play.com, Luzio helped the company win the Golden Joystick Retailer of the Year award voted for by consumers. Luzio has also held senior positions at Global Software Publishing Ltd and Midas Interactive.

Matthew Moulding, CEO at The Hut Group, Zavvi.com and TheHut.com, comments, “Gian is an industry heavyweight and is very well known in the gaming world. He has a huge amount of online retail experience that will be invaluable as we look to drive the growth of the company and challenge the major players in the entertainment retail sector. Gian will be invaluable as we look to strengthen our supplier and customer relationships as well as maximising operational efficiencies, brand awareness and product development.”

Gian Luzio, adds, “I am delighted to have joined The Hut Group and I’m excited about the opportunities to share my expertise. The Hut Group has grown rapidly in the past six months and I am thrilled that I can be part of its future expansion. I look forward to working with an enthusiastic team to strategically enhance product offerings and optimise sales.”

Luzio is based at The Hut Group’s head office in Northwich, Cheshire, and oversees a team of 20 people.

TheHut.com is the UK’s fourth largest online entertainment retailer selling a range of cheap DVDs, Blu-ray, cheap CDs, games consoles, books, lingerie, perfume and computing.