// WHSmith begins its search for a new chairman to replace Henry Staunton
// The process is being led internally by Simon Emeny, the senior independent director
WHSmith has kicked off a search for a new chairman as the high street and travel hub-focused retailer continues to grapple with the impact of the pandemic.
Sky News has reported that headhunters advising the chain have begun approaching prospective replacements for Henry Staunton, who has chaired the business since 2013.
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The appointment of Lygon Group to handle the search was disclosed in WH Smith’s annual report and accounts but is not thought to have been reported.
Mr Staunton is understood to have been asked to stay on as chairman by boardroom colleagues to help steer the company through the pandemic.
The search process is being led internally by Simon Emeny, the senior independent director.
Other board members include Maurice Thompson, the former chairman of Greensill, the collapsed supply chain finance provider.
WH Smith has continued to be impacted significantly by Covid-19 because of its ties to the travel industry which was hit by numerous nationwide lockdowns.
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