Lovefilm chief executive Simon Calver is to step down after almost seven years after being poached by high street chain Mothercare.

Calver joined Lovefilm in 2005 and oversaw its acquisition by Amazon 12 months ago.

He also helped transform the business by embracing digital distribution via streamed content across platforms including online, connected TVs and games consoles. The DVD rental and VoD supplier now has 2m members across Europe.

Jim Buckle, chief operating officer at Lovefilm, will become managing director following Calver’s departure.

In a blog on the site, Calver paid tribute to his “truly talented” team.

“Growing this company has been a fantastic experience and I have had the pleasure of working with a truly talented team, real innovators who introduced a brand new way for millions of movie lovers to enjoy films,” he said.

This story was originally published by Broadcast