LoveFilm to increase London team by 20%

LoveFilm has today announced plans to increase its London-based workforce by a fifth following its full acquisition by Amazon earlier in the year.

Europe's largest movies subscription service, which currently employs 380 staff in the UK, intends to increase its 168-strong London team by 20% over the next three months, equivalent to 40 new posts.

Most of the vacancies are in technical roles to help the company expand its digital service, which launched in March last year to operate alongside the DVDs-by-post business.

LoveFilm customers can now stream films over a number of devices, including Sony and Samsung web-connected TV sets, and the PS3 games console. LoveFilm also employs 106 staff in Germany, Sweden, Norway and Denmark.

LoveFilm chief executive Simon Calver said: "Following Amazon's acquisition of LoveFilm we have created around 40 jobs at our London office, half of which are in the technology and digital sphere.

"In line with our constant digital expansion we are extremely pleased to continue to create new opportunities for people who are looking for careers that they can not only develop and grow in, but enjoy.

"With amazing opportunities ahead for LoveFilm we're looking for the right people who share our passion for movies and innovation to build on our exciting business."

Also today, FilmFlex, the movies video on-demand provider jointly owned by Sony Pictures and Disney, has appointed Jeff Henry as its new chief executive.

Henry, previously chief executive of ITV Consumer, will oversee the strategy, development and management of FilmFlex, which provides VOD services to Film4 On Demand and Virgin Media.

"FilmFlex is highly regarded within the industry for its forward thinking and impressive growth," said Henry. "I join the company and its talented people with great excitement and aim to use my experience to expand FilmFlex's leading position into new platforms and new markets."