WH Smith confirms new chairman
Robert Walker appointed by high street retailer
WH Smith has confirmed that Robert Walker will take up the post of chairman in the New Year.
Walker will join the board of WH Smith on January 1 and become chairman on February 1 2005, replacing current chairman and former chief executive Richard Handover, who will leave the bard on January 31.
Walker is currently chief executive of utilities company Severn Trent, and is due to stand down from that role in February. He is also a non-executive director of jewellery retailer Signet.
WH Smith group chief executive Kate Swann said: “I am delighted that Robert Walker has agreed to join us as chairman of WHSmith.
His extensive experience in consumer markets, his enthusiasm and leadership skills will serve the company and its shareholders well and I look forward to working with him.
“On behalf of the board I would like to thank Richard for his contribution to WH Smith during a career spanning forty years and, personally, for the support he has given me since I joined the company. Richard will be greatly missed by his many colleagues in the business.”
[img r]robertwalker.jpg[/img]Walker ([i]pictured[/i]) said: “The WH Smith group benefits from a strong, well-established brand with enormous customer loyalty and leading positions in its key markets. I am excited at the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead and I look forward to working with Kate and her team.”
