WHSmith is reportedly drawing up plans to find a new chair as it battles to regain investors’ faith in the business.
A search for two new non-executive directors is anticipated to lead to the hiring of a candidate capable of taking over from Annette Court within around 18 months, Sky News reported.
Court has served as chairwoman of WHSmith since December 2022, taking over from Henry Staunton.
It comes as the travel retailer said it wants to hire a new board member with experience of the North American travel retail market.
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A source with knowledge of the WHSmith appointment process said that Russell Reynolds Associates was advising the business.
They said that although Court was not expected to depart during this calendar year, she could do so in 2027.
A source close to WHSmith said that Court had been deeply involved in addressing the company’s troubles during recent months. It added that its board was focussed on effective succession planning instead of an active search for a new chair.
Retail Gazette has contacted WHSmith for comment.
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