Kate Swann to step down as W H Smith CEO

W H Smith today (11th October 2012) announced that Kate Swann is, after nine years, to step down as Chief Executive of the Company on 30th June 2013 and is also pleased to announce that Steve Clarke will be appointed as Chief Executive as successor to Kate Swann with effect from 1st July 2013.

Steve joined W H Smith in August 2004 and was promoted to Commercial Director in 2006. In 2008 he became Managing Director of the High Street business and in June 2012 was appointed as a member of the Board. His appointment is part of the Company’s long term succession plan. As at 1 July 2013 Robert Moorhead will also take on the role of Group Finance Director and Chief Operating Officer. Robert joined WHSmith in 2004 as Retail Finance Director. He joined the Board in 2008 when he was appointed as Group Finance Director.

Kate Swann, Chief Executive, said: “It has been a great privilege to lead W H Smith for the last nine years. I am extremely proud of what the team has achieved during my time as Chief Executive. W H Smith has a first class management team who are focused on running the business in the best interests of shareholders. I am also delighted that the Board has appointed Steve as my successor as I know that WHSmith will continue to thrive under his leadership. I am fully committed to working with Steve in order to ensure a smooth transition and to deliver the plan for 2013.”