WH Smith names Leo Quinn as executive chairman
By Iain Gilbert
Date: Monday 19 Jan 2026
(Sharecast News) - Travel retailer WH Smith appointed Leo Quinn to the role of executive chairman on Monday, with effect from 7 April.
Quinn will succeed current chair Annette Court, who will step down at the end of WH Smith's annual general meeting on 2 February but remain with the firm as a senior independent director. Simon Emeny will act as interim non-executive chairman until Quinn's start date.
Prior to joining WH Smith, Quinn most recently served as chief executive of Balfour Beatty, the UK's largest infrastructure company.
Quinn said: "WH Smith is a great business with a remarkable heritage. Working with the leadership team and our colleagues worldwide, I intend to ensure the company has the right foundations in place to deliver long‑term value for its investors, business partners and employees."
Reporting by Iain Gilbert at Sharecast.com
Email this article to a friend
or share it with one of these popular networks:
You are here: news
10 Lower Thames St,
London EC3R 6EN