3rd Mar 2005 12:15
Smith WH PLC03 March 2005 3 March 2005 WH SMITH PLC BOARD CHANGE WH Smith PLC announces the appointment of Alan Stewart as Group FinanceDirector, in succession to John Warren who steps down from the Board today. Following the divestments in 2004, the Board believes that the role of GroupFinance Director now needs a stronger operational focus and less of aninternational focus to deliver the plans for the Group. Alan Stewart (44), previously Chief Executive of Thomas Cook UK Ltd., joins theBoard of WHSmith today and will begin as Group Finance Director on 4 March 2005.Following a transition period, John Warren will leave WHSmith on 31 March 2005. Alan Stewart joined Thomas Cook Holdings Ltd in 1998 as Group Treasurer and wasappointed Chief Financial Officer in the same year. In 2001 he was appointedChief Executive of Thomas Cook UK Ltd and became a member of the Thomas Cook AGBoard. He is a non-executive director of Games Workshop Group plc.Kate Swann, Group Chief Executive WH Smith PLC, said: "I am delighted to welcomeAlan to WHSmith. He is an experienced finance director with strong operationalskills 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 lastfive years and for his expertise in reshaping the Group over the past eighteenmonths. He leaves WHSmith with our best wishes for the future." John Warren said: "I am delighted with the progress that we have achieved inrestructuring the Company, and wish Kate and the team every success as theycontinue to implement the turnaround plans for the Group." Alan Stewart said: "I am pleased to be joining WHSmith and working with Kate andthe team to address the challenges that lie ahead and establish plans that willcontribute to the future success of the Company. WHSmith benefits from a strong,well established brand and leading positions in its key markets." -Ends-Enquiries: WH Smith PLC Louise Evans Media Relations 020 7851 8850Mark Boyle Investor Relations 020 7851 8820 Brunswick Tom Buchanan 020 7404 5959Pam Small This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
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