Chairmanship goes to Severn Trent chief, as expected
WHSmith chairman Richard Handover is to be replaced by Severn Trent chief executive Robert Walker. Handover, who assumed the role under a one-year contract, will leave the board on January 31 next year.

Walker, who is 59, spent 22 years at PepsiCo International, where he rose to division president for EMEA and Asia. He will leave Severn Trent at the beginning of February.

WHSmith chief executive Kate Swann said: 'I would like to thank Richard for his contribution to WHSmith during a career that spanned 40 years, and for the support he has given me since I joined the company.'

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