Wh Smith Regulatory News (SMWH)

26 February 2019

WH Smith PLC

BOARD CHANGES

WH Smith PLC today announces the appointment of Carl Cowling, Simon Emeny and Maurice Thompson to the WH Smith Board

WH Smith today announces the appointment of Carl Cowling, Managing Director, WH Smith High Street, to the Board. The Company also announces the appointment of Simon Emeny as Non-Executive Director and Maurice Thompson as Non-Executive Director. All appointments are effective from 26 February 2019.

Carl Cowling is currently Managing Director of the WH Smith High Street business, having joined the Company in 2014 as Managing Director, WH Smith Travel. Prior to joining WH Smith, Carl spent much of his career in the electrical retail industry, including over a decade at Dixons where he held the roles of Ecommerce director, Commercial director and Managing Director of the airport retailing business, Dixons Travel. Prior to joining WH Smith Travel in 2014, Carl was Managing Director of Global Partnerships at Carphone Warehouse. Other than as set out in this announcement there are no further disclosures required in respect of Carl Cowling under paragraph 9.6.13 of the Listing Rules.

Simon Emeny is Group Chief Executive of Fuller, Smith & Turner PLC, a role he has held since 2013. Simon joins the WH Smith Board with a wealth of consumer facing experience, including transport hub sites. Simon has also previously held the position of Senior Independent Director on the Board of Dunelm Group PLC for a number of years. Other than as set out in this announcement there are no further disclosures required in respect of Simon Emeny under paragraph 9.6.13 of the Listing Rules.

Maurice Thompson joins the Board of WH Smith with substantial Board and financial expertise. Maurice is currently Chairman of Greensill Capital. With over thirty years of experience in the international banking industry, Maurice previously held the position of Chief Executive of Citibank in the UK. Other than as set out in this announcement there are no further disclosures required in respect of Maurice Thompson under paragraph 9.6.13 of the Listing Rules.

WH Smith Chairman, Henry Staunton, commented:

"We are delighted to welcome Simon and Maurice on to the Board of WH Smith. Their combined retail and financial expertise will ensure we continue to be well positioned to invest in new opportunities and grow the business.

"Since joining WH Smith in 2014, Carl has made a significant contribution to the Company, in both our Travel and High Street businesses. He will be a valuable addition to the Board as we continue to deliver the strategies for each business and create value for shareholders."

Enquiries:

Notes to Editors:

Carl Cowling

Carl has spent much of his career in the electrical retail industry including over a decade at Dixons where he held the roles of Ecommerce director, Commercial director and Managing Director of the airport retailing business Dixons Travel. Prior to joining WH Smith, he held the role of Managing Director Global partnerships at Carphone Warehouse. Carl has been at WH Smith for over 4 years and spent the first 3 years as Managing Director of WH Smith Travel across all UK and International operations. At the end of 2017, Carl became Managing Director of WH Smith High Street.

Simon Emeny

Simon joined Fuller, Smith & Turner PLC in 1996 from Bass plc where he held a variety of senior operational and strategic planning roles. Appointed to the Board as Retail Director in May 1998, Managing Director, Fuller's Inns in July 2006, Group Managing Director in November 2010 and Chief Executive in July 2013. Non-Executive Director of The National Gallery Company Limited. Previously Senior Independent Director and chair of the Remuneration Committee of Dunelm Group plc. An economics graduate and alumnus of Harvard Business School.

Maurice Thompson

Maurice is Chairman of Greensill. Prior to joining Greensill, Maurice held a number of senior positions at some of the world's largest financial institutions over his 33 years in banking.

Maurice was Global Head of Equity Capital Markets at SG Warburg, Global Head of Investment Banking and on the Group Executive Committee at Deutsche Bank. Most recently, Maurice worked at Citi where his roles included Vice Chairman of Banking, Head of Continental Europe for the Corporate and Investment Bank, and Country Officer and CEO of Germany and the UK.