Henry Staunton to succeed Walker Boyd as WH Smith chairman
WH Smith has announced that its chairman Walker Boyd is to retire and will be succeeded by Henry Staunton.
Boyd will step down from the board on 31 August as part of a programme to reduce his work commitments. Staunton, who is currently senior independent director, will take up the role of non-executive chairman on 1 September.
Staunton joined the WH Smith board in September 2010. He is currently a non-executive director of Legal and General, Merchants Trust and Capital and Counties Properties. Previously, he was finance director of Granada and ITV.
Drummond Hall will become the senior independent director with effect from 1 September.
Never Miss a Retail Update!Commenting on the announcement, 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, WH Smith chief executive, 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.”
