14 January 2013
BOARD CHANGE
WH Smith PLC today announces the appointment of Suzanne Baxter
as a Non-Executive Director
WHSmith announces that Suzanne Baxter will join the Board as a Non-Executive Director with effect from 4 February 2013. In addition, following the retirement of Mike Ellis, Suzanne Baxter will also be appointed as Chair of the Audit Committee.
Suzanne Baxter is currently Group Finance Director of MITIE Group PLC, a role she has held since 2006, and has a wealth of financial and commercial expertise. Other than as set out in this announcement there are no further disclosures required in respect of Suzanne Baxter under paragraph 9.6.13 of the Listing Rules.
WHSmith's Chairman, Walker Boyd said:
"We are delighted to welcome Suzanne Baxter on to the Board of WHSmith. With her finance and commercial expertise, Suzanne will be a valuable member of the Board and an excellent appointment as Chair of the Audit Committee".
Enquiries:
WH Smith PLC
Nicola Hillman Media Relations 020 7851 8850
Mark Boyle Investor Relations 020 7851 8820
Simon Sporborg/Catriona McDermott 020 7404 5959
Notes:
Suzanne was appointed as Group Finance Director of MITIE Group PLC in April 2006. Suzanne is a Chartered Accountant. Prior to joining MITIE, she specialised in mergers and acquisitions related transaction support and held a number of commercial and operational roles with Serco Group plc. Suzanne holds a seat on the Opportunity Now Advisory Board, a part of the Business in the Community (BitC) organisation with a focus on gender diversity in the workplace, and until recently was a member of the Finance and Risk Committee of BitC. She is also a mentor on the ICAEW's Women in Leadership Programme.