Blockbuster coo to leave company this month

DALLAS Nick Shepherd, senior evp and coo of Blockbuster Inc., is leaving the company at the end of September, the company announced Monday. No explanation was given for his departure.

"The Board of Directors and I greatly appreciate the leadership Nick has provided to the company and the major role he has played in helping us lay the foundation for the transformation of Blockbuster from a video retailer into a company that provides completely convenient access to media entertainment," said Jim Keyes, Blockbuster chairman and ceo. "I am personally grateful for Nick's support during my early days here at the company and wish him well in his new endeavors."

Shepherd joined Blockbuster in 1995 as managing director of the company's United Kingdom business and subsequently served in several executive positions including senior vp international, chief marketing and merchandising officer, and president worldwide stores.