Board Changes

RNS Number : 0664C

WH Smith PLC

11 April 2013

 



                                                                                                                        11 April 2013

BOARD CHANGES

Appointment of Henry Staunton as Non-Executive Chairman from 1^st September 2013.

WH Smith PLC today announces the appointment of Henry Staunton as Non-Executive Chairman and the retirement of Walker Boyd, the current Non-Executive Chairman.

Henry Staunton will become Chairman on 1 September 2013.  He joined the Board on 1 September 2010 and is currently the Senior Independent Director.  He succeeds Walker Boyd, as Chairman of WH Smith PLC who will step down on 31 August 2013.  Mr Boyd has decided to retire from the Board as part of a programme to reduce his work commitments.

Drummond Hall will become the Senior Independent Director with effect from 1 September 2013.

WH Smith's Chairman, Walker Boyd said:

"After completing the successful transition of CEO from Kate to Steve Clarke, I decided that the end of the current financial year would be a good time to hand over to a new Chairman.  I wish the Board, Steve and the rest of the team continued success in the future."

Kate Swann, Group Chief Executive, WH Smith PLC said:

"The Board and I are delighted that Henry Staunton has agreed to become Chairman of WH Smith.  Henry has extensive finance and retail expertise together with a strong and varied experience as a non-executive director which will serve the Company and its shareholders well.

"On behalf of the Board I would like to thank Walker for his contribution to WH Smith and he leaves with our best wishes for the future."

Henry Staunton said: "I am excited at the opportunities that lie ahead for WH Smith and I look forward to working with the management team."

ENDS

Enquiries:

WH Smith PLC

Mark Boyle                   Investor Relations                                                     020 7406 6320

Nicola Hillman              Media Relations                                                       020 7406 6350

Brunswick

Simon Sporborg                                                                                              020 7404 5959

 

END

 

 

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