Moorhead to step down as WH Smith CFO, Burberry's Izzard to replace

The FTSE 250 firm said filling the impending vacancy was Max Izzard, currently senior vice-president of group and corporate finance at luxury fashion brand Burberry.

Izzard would join WH Smith on 1 September, bringing with him experience in finance and operations within the international consumer sector.

His tenure at Burberry, spanning six years, was marked by his involvement in strategic initiatives fostering the brand's growth and development.

Before his tenure there, Izzard held various senior roles at IHG.

Moorhead's tenure at WH Smith began in 2004 when he joined as finance director for the Retail division.

He was appointed CFO in 2008 and took on the combined role of CFO and COO in 2013.

The transition of leadership would see Moorhead step down from the board on 1 November, with Izzard set to be appointed to the board on 1 December.

“Robert has been a fantastic support to me and the broader executive teams,” said chief executive officer Carl Cowling.

“In particular, I want to thank him for his work during the exceptional challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic and the way he skillfully navigated the financial complexities of those times.

“I look forward to working with Max who has a strong background and a wealth of expertise in a variety of international businesses, and I know he will contribute to the continued success of the company.”

At 0810 GMT, shares in WH Smith were down 0.68% at 1,237.5p.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.