(Alliance News) - WH Smith PLC on Friday said that Robert Moorhead is retiring as chief financial officer & chief operating officer, after 20 years with the company.

The London-based retailer, which operates on UK high streets and travel locations like airports and train stations globally, said that Moorhead is leaving after more than 20 years with the firm.

Moorhead joined the company in 2004 as finance director of Retail. He was appointed as CFO in 2008, and CFO & COO in 2013.

He will be succeeded by Max Izzard, currently senior vice president group and corporate finance at Burberry PLC. Prior to Burberry, Max held "several senior commercial and group finance roles" at IHG PLC.

Izzard will join the company on September 1, and will be appointed to the board on December 1. Moorhead, meanwhile, will step down from the board on November 30.

Chair Annette Court said: "I want to pay tribute to Robert's outstanding achievements during his 20 years at WH 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."

Shares in WH Smith were down 0.6% to 1,239.00 pence each in London on Friday morning.

By Sophie Rose, Alliance News senior reporter

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