WH Smith Plc (LON:SMWH) today announced the appointment of Carl Cowling, Managing Director, WH Smith High Street, to the Board. The Company also announces the appointment of Simon Emeny as Non-Executive Director and Maurice Thompson as Non-Executive Director. All appointments are effective from 26 February 2019.
Carl Cowling is currently Managing Director of the WH Smith High Street business, having joined the Company in 2014 as Managing Director, WH Smith Travel. Prior to joining WH Smith, Carl spent much of his career in the electrical retail industry, including over a decade at Dixons where he held the roles of Ecommerce director, Commercial director and Managing Director of the airport retailing business, Dixons Travel. Prior to joining WH Smith Travel in 2014, Carl was Managing Director of Global Partnerships at Carphone Warehouse. Other than as set out in this announcement there are no further disclosures required in respect of Carl Cowling under paragraph 9.6.13 of the Listing Rules.
Simon Emeny is Group Chief Executive of Fuller, Smith & Turner PLC, a role he has held since 2013. Simon joins the WH Smith Board with a wealth of consumer facing experience, including transport hub sites. Simon has also previously held the position of Senior Independent Director on the Board of Dunelm Group PLC for a number of years. Other than as set out in this announcement there are no further disclosures required in respect of Simon Emeny under paragraph 9.6.13 of the Listing Rules.
Maurice Thompson joins the Board of WH Smith with substantial Board and financial expertise. Maurice is currently Chairman of Greensill Capital. With over thirty years of experience in the international banking industry, Maurice previously held the position of Chief Executive of Citibank in the UK. Other than as set out in this announcement there are no further disclosures required in respect of Maurice Thompson under paragraph 9.6.13 of the Listing Rules.
WH Smith Chairman, Henry Staunton, commented:
“We are delighted to welcome Simon and Maurice on to the Board of WH Smith. Their combined retail and financial expertise will ensure we continue to be well positioned to invest in new opportunities and grow the business.
“Since joining WH Smith in 2014, Carl has made a significant contribution to the Company, in both our Travel and High Street businesses. He will be a valuable addition to the Board as we continue to deliver the strategies for each business and create value for shareholders.”
