REG - WH Smith PLC - Chief Financial Officer Appointment

WH SmithAnnouncement

15/03/2024 07:00

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RNS Number : 9513G  WH Smith PLC  15 March 2024

15 March 2024

 

WH Smith PLC

 The global travel retailer

 

Chief Financial Officer Appointment

 

WH 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.

Max 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.

Robert 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.

Annette Court, Chair commented:

"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.

"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."

Carl Cowling, CEO added:

"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.

"I look forward to working with Max who has a strong background and a wealth
of expertise in a variety of international businesses, and I know he will
contribute to the continued success of the Company."

Robert Moorhead, CFO/COO said:

"It has been both a pleasure and an honour to have worked at WH Smith over the
last 20 years. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Annette and Carl
and also my many colleagues, past and present, for their support and
friendship. I am highly confident that the future for WH Smith is an exciting
one and I hand over to Max knowing that the Company is well set for many years
of continued success."

Max Izzard, incoming CFO, commented:

"I am delighted to be joining as Chief Financial Officer of WH Smith. I have
admired the transformation of the business and I am excited to be joining one
of the world's leading travel retailers. I look forward to working closely
with Carl and the leadership team to help deliver continuing success for our
shareholders and other stakeholders."

Enquiries:

 

WH Smith PLC

 Nicola Hillman  Media Relations     01793 563 354
 Mark Boyle      Investor Relations  07879 897 687

 Brunswick
 Tim Danaher                         020 7404 5959

Notes:

1.    Upon joining WH Smith, Max Izzard will receive a base salary of
£450,000, a pension allowance of 3% of base salary (aligned to the wider
workforce rate) and an incentive opportunity in line with the WH Smith
Remuneration Policy.  He will be eligible to receive a maximum annual bonus
of up to 150% of salary and an annual LTIP award of 300% of salary. Full
details of his remuneration, including details of compensation for
remuneration opportunities lost as a result of him leaving his former
employer, will be included in the 2024 Directors' Remuneration Report.  His
arrangements are in-line with the current WH Smith Remuneration Policy.

2.    Robert Moorhead will step down from the Board on 30 November 2024 but
will remain as an employee of the Company until 28 February 2025 in order to
assist in the successful transition to Max Izzard as CFO. In accordance with
the Directors' Remuneration Policy, Robert Moorhead will be treated as a good
leaver and any LTIP awards will be time pro-rated by reference to the date on
which he leaves the Company.  Robert Moorhead will not be eligible to receive
an LTIP award in November 2024 but will be eligible to receive a pro-rated
bonus for the financial year ending 31 August 2025.  There will be no payment
in lieu of notice. A statement concerning particulars of remuneration payments
in accordance with section 430(2B) of the Companies Act 2006 will be published
on the Company's website.

3.    There are no additional matters that require disclosure under 9.6.13R
of the UK Listing Rules.

 

 

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