Finance
WH Smith draws up plans to find a new chairman, Sky News reports
Published by Global Banking and Finance Review
Posted on January 11, 2026
1 min readLast updated: January 20, 2026
Global Banking and Finance Review
Company
Published by Global Banking and Finance Review
Posted on January 11, 2026
1 min readLast updated: January 20, 2026
WH Smith is planning to appoint a new chairman to address investor concerns, with a replacement for Annette Court expected within 18 months.
Jan 11 (Reuters) - Travel retail group WH Smith is drawing up plans to find a new chairman amid a battle to restore investors' faith in the company, Sky News reported on Sunday.
The search for two new non-executive directors is expected to lead to the recruitment of a candidate capable of replacing Annette Court within about 18 months, Sky News said.
Reuters could not immediately verify the report.
(Reporting by Mihika Sharma in BengaluruEditing by Tomasz Janowski)
Corporate governance refers to the systems and processes that direct and control a company. It encompasses the mechanisms through which companies, and those in control, are held accountable.
A chairman is the head of a company's board of directors. They are responsible for leading board meetings, ensuring effective governance, and representing the company in various capacities.
Non-executive directors are members of a company's board who do not engage in the day-to-day management of the company. They provide independent oversight and contribute to strategic decision-making.
Investor advisory services provide guidance and recommendations to investors regarding their investment strategies, portfolio management, and market conditions to help them achieve their financial goals.
A leadership transition refers to the process of changing leadership within an organization, which may involve appointing new executives or board members to guide the company in a new direction.
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