WH Smith revamps finance role
Stronger operational focus for group FD
WH Smith has appointed Alan Stewart as group finance director, succeeding John Warren who has stepped down from the board.
Following the sale of its overseas businesses last year, the high street and travel retailer believes the FD role “needs a stronger operational focus and less of an international focus to deliver the plans for the group”.
Stewart, previously chief executive of Thomas Cook UK, joins the WH Smith board today. He joined travel group Thomas Cook in 1998 and is also a non-executive director of Games Workshop.
Kate Swann, WH Smith group chief executive said: “I am delighted to welcome Alan to WH Smith. He is an experienced finance director with strong operational skills and a solid track record of turning around an underperforming business.
“I would also like to thank John for his contribution to the group over the last five years and for his expertise in reshaping the group over the past eighteen months. He leaves WH Smith with our best wishes for the future.”
Warren said: ‘I am delighted with the progress that we have achieved in restructuring the company, and wish Kate and the team every success as they continue to implement the turnaround plans for the group.”
Stewart said: “‘I am pleased to be joining WH Smith and working with Kate and the team to address the challenges that lie ahead and establish plans that will contribute to the future success of the company. WH Smith benefits from a strong, well established brand and leading positions in its key markets.”
