Maher made Stanfords m.d.

Tony Maher has been appointed as the new managing director of Stanfords travel bookshop in Covent Garden and has embarked on a process of "restructuring and refocusing" the business.

Maher, who owns the The Bookshop, Welwyn Garden City, was appointed after previous managing director Chris Powell left the company. Maher had done consultancy work with Stanfords before his appointment to the role.

Maher acknowledged the challenge Stanfords had ahead of it in a climate of declining sales of maps and travel guides. He said: "The last few years have been very difficult for the business. We have already started the process of reducing the cost base and restructuring and refocusing our efforts. We have a vision for the business that is expansive, that will capitalise on the heritage of the business and that will introduce products that will fill the void left by the inevitable decline in paper map & book sales. Maps & Travel Guides will, however, remain at the heart of what we do."

Vivien Godfrey, Chairman of Stanfords, said the Stanfords board was "totally committed" to Maher's vision for the future of Stanfords. "The impact he has already made on the business is profound - and his exciting plans will ensure a prosperous future for our company," Godfrey said.

Stanfords opened 160 years ago.