According to online reports, Lask will move to the major in autumn, becoming senior vice president of business development, where his tasks will include developing the label's relationships with customers.

Lask was promoted to the HMV board as e-commerce director in November 2006.

As well as driving Get Closer, HMV's new social discovery site, he has also led the retailer's plans to move into MP3 sales.

Lask says, "It's very sad to be leaving HMV, but I do feel that ...