Former HMV manager Mike Donaghue, who spent 43 years with the company before retiring in 1997, has passed away.
Donaghue died peacefully at home on March 27 and is survived by wife Margaret, son Clive and step-daughters Samantha and Sharon.
He joined the small London-based chain of Saville Pianos in 1954, as a service engineer. The chain was taken over by EMI in the mid-‘60s to be absorbed into the label’s HMV retail group, by which time Donaghue was managing its Ilford branch.
HMV at this time consisted of 12 stores, and Donaghue was subsequently promoted to the role of area manager in operational charge of all outlets with the exception of the London flagship store at 363 Oxford Street. He went on to become one of HMV’s longest-serving employees.
Brian McLaughlin, former HMV Group COO, commented:“If truth be told, Mike was the unsung hero of HMV, very much responsible for setting high standards and leading by example. He was a great listener and mentor to many of us. Tolerant, kind and diligent, an outstanding individual who will be sadly missed.”
