Former Circuit City e-commerce chief joins private equity firm

David L. Matthews, the former e-commerce chief at Circuit City Inc., has been named president of the Orchard Brands Inc. unit of private equity firm Golden Gate Capital. Orchard Brands manages eight companies, including Blair Corp., No. 118 in the Internet Retailer Top 500 Guide, and Norm Thompson Outfitters, No. 137.

At the time of his departure from Circuit City, Matthews was executive vice president for merchandising, services and marketing, a position he assumed in February when the electronics retailer shuffled its management. He previously was president of Circuit City Direct, managing the company’s e-commerce operations. Circuit City is No. 17 in the Internet Retailer Top 500 Guide.

“The decision to leave was tough,” Matthews says, “but I have an exciting opportunity to return home to New England and join a leadership team growing a portfolio of direct businesses.” Orchard Brands is based in Beverly, MA.

Matthews’ responsibilities at Circuit City will be taken over for now by Philip J. Schoonover, chairman, president and CEO, a spokeswoman says.