Robert Moorhead to be succeeded by Max Izzard as W H Smith chief financial and operating officer

Robert Moorhead is retiring as chief financial officer and chief operating officer at W H Smith — after more than 20 years with the business — and will be succeeded by Max Izzard, currently senior vice-president of group and corporate finance at Burberry. 

Izzard will join the company on 1st September 2024, while Moorhead will step down from the board on 30th November 2024. Moreover, Izzard will be appointed to the board with effect from 1st December 2024.

Izzard is an experienced finance director, with expertise in multi-site international consumer businesses. He has held a variety of senior roles at Burberry, helping to support the strategic transformation and development of the business, overseeing the group finance functions, tax and treasury. Prior to Burberry, he held senior commercial and group finance roles at IHG.

Moorhead joined the company in 2004 as finance director of retail and was appointed chief financial officer in 2008 and chief financial officer/chief operating officer in 2013. 

Chair Annette Court commented: “I want to pay tribute to Robert’s outstanding achievements during his 20 years at W H Smith. He has played an integral role in the transformation of the company to a highly successful global travel retailer, trading in 32 countries around the world.

“I am pleased to welcome a highly capable successor in Max who brings a range of financial and commercial experience in multi-site international businesses.”

C.e.o. Carl Cowling added: “Robert has been a fantastic support to me and the broader executive teams. In particular, I want to thank him for his work during the exceptional challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic and the way he skilfully navigated the financial complexities of those times. It is testament to his efforts and talents that he will leave the company in such a strong financial and strategic position. I thank him for that and wish him all the best for his retirement.

“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.”

Moorhead said: “It has been both a pleasure and an honour to have worked at W H Smith over the past 20 years. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Annette and Carl and also my many colleagues, past and present, for their support and friendship. I am highly confident that the future for W H Smith is an exciting one and I hand over to Max knowing that the company is well set for many years of continued success.”

Izzard added: “I am delighted to be joining as chief financial officer of W H Smith. I have admired the transformation of the business and I am excited to be joining one of the world’s leading travel retailers. I look forward to working closely with Carl and the leadership team to help deliver continuing success for our shareholders and other stakeholders.”