WH Smith PLC announced 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.