Business
Chief Financial Officer Appointment
Chief Financial Officer Appointment.
About this update from Wh Smith Plc
[{"type":"text","content":"\n\n15 March 2024\n \nWH Smith PLC\n The global travel retailer\n \nChief Financial Officer Appointment\n \nWH Smith PLC, the global travel retailer, today announces that Robert Moorhead, after more than 20 years with the business, has advised the Board of his intention to retire as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer. He will be succeeded by Max Izzard, currently SVP Group and Corporate Finance at Burberry PLC. Max will join the Company on 1 September 2024. Robert will step down from the Board on 30 November 2024. Max will be appointed to the Board with effect from 1 December 2024.\nMax is a highly experienced finance director, with deep expertise in multi-site international consumer businesses. He is currently SVP of Group and Corporate Finance at Burberry PLC. Max has held a variety of senior roles there over the last 6 years, helping to support the strategic transformation and development of the business, overseeing the group finance functions, tax and treasury. Prior to Burberry, Max held several senior commercial and group finance roles at IHG PLC.\nRobert joined the Company in 2004 as Finance Director - Retail. Robert was appointed Chief Financial Officer in 2008 and Chief Financial Officer/Chief Operating Officer in 2013. Robert has played an important leadership role in transforming WH Smith into a global travel retailer.\nAnnette Court, Chair commented:\n\"I want to pay tribute to Robert's outstanding achievements during his 20 years at WH Smith. He has played an integral role in the transformation of the Company to a highly successful global travel retailer, trading in 32 countries around the world.\n\"I am pleased to welcome a highly capable successor in Max who brings a range of financial and commercial experience in multi-site international businesses.\"\nCarl Cowling, CEO added:\n\"Robert has been a fantastic support to me and the broader Executive teams. In particular, I want to thank him for his work during the exceptional challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic and the way he skillfully navigated the financial complexities of those times. It is testament to his efforts and talents that he will leave the Company in such a strong financial and strategic position. I thank him for that and wish him all the best for his retirement.\n\"I look forward to working with Max who has a stron...