Selby made head of books at W H Smith as Scholes and Bradley leave retailer

Pete Selby will join W H Smith taking up the newly-created role of head of books as Sue Scholes and Sandra Bradley leave the retailer. 

Fiction buyer Scholes has decided to leave to spend time with her family as trading controller for adult books Bradley retires after 25 years working for W H Smith. In the wake of the departures, books director Alastair Aldous has created the new head of books role. 

Aldous said: “Sue Scholes has decided to leave W H Smith. Mark, her husband, is recovering from a serious operation and she has decided to take time with her family. I want to reassure everyone that we are working closely with Sue and her family, to support them on the road of recovery. I would like to wish Sue, Mark and their family all the love and support they need during this time.

“On top of this, after 25 years of service, Sandra Bradley has decided to retire. Not to worry - not yet!! Sandy will be with us until the end of October and will ensure a thorough handover. Personally, I have found it very hard to accept that I will not have Sandy by my side anymore, after working with her for the last 10 years. I  have been able to delay this for as long as possible - however, she has - as per usual - been able to persuade me that now this is the right time. Sandy will continue to manage the Chrismas plans in readiness to handover the trading of Christmas when she leaves.”

Selby, who was appointed retail publishing director at the Roald Dahl Story Company last year, will start his new position in mid-April. 

The former head of books and music at Sainsbury’s will have full responsibility of the books category and will report to Aldous. 

Aldous added: “Pete has a wealth of experience in the book trade and is a strong retailer, putting the customer at the heart of his decision making. I am very much looking forward to Pete joining W H Smith. Pete will take responsibility for the line management of the Adult Team. Lucy Swinburn, who has been doing a sterling job in Kids, will report into Pete. I would like to thank Sandy for the continued service over the last 25 years and welcome Pete to W H Smith.”

The changes to the W H Smith High Street Books team come as W H Smith announces the appointment of W H Smith High Street m.d. Carl Cowling to the board. The company also confirmed the appointment of Fuller, Smith & Turner chief executive Simon Emeny and Greensill Capital chairman Maurice Thompson as non-executive directors. All appointments are effective from 26th February.