WH Smith Plc (SMWH.L) Monday said that its Board has decided to appoint Leo Quinn as Executive Chairman, with effect from April 7, following approval from shareholders.
On the LSE, SMWH.L is up 12 percent on Monday's trading at 696.70 pence.
The British travel retailer said that Quinn has over 20 years' experience as Chief Executive Officer of UK publicly listed companies, most recently serving as Group Chief Executive of Balfour Beatty Plc. Prior to this, he has spent over two decades in senior leadership roles at several global companies.
According to WH Smith, Annette Court will step down as Chair and Non-Executive Director, following the Annual General Meeting on February 2. Simon Emeny, who will continue as Senior Independent Director, will act as Interim non-executive Chairman until Quinn takes charge. As a result, the resolution to re-elect Annette Court as a Director will be withdrawn, the company added.
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