Smiths News confirms February start date for new CFO Richard Clay

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Smiths News PLC on Monday confirmed that new Chief Financial Officer Richard Clay will join the business on February 2, 2026.

The Swindon, England-based newspaper and magazine distributor previously announced the appointment of Clay, who is currently interim CFO & UK & Ireland group finance director at Zigup PLC, a FTSE 250-listed vehicle hire firm formerly known as Redde Northgate.

Smiths News said Paul Baker will be stepping down as CFO to join a ‘large private business operating in a different sector’. He will depart the company on November 21.

Financial Controller George Cooper will take on the role of interim CFO to cover the period between Baker’s departure and Clay’s arrival.

Cooper joined Smiths News in 2017, and previously worked as a finance manager at Associated British Foods PLC.

Smiths News will release its results for the 12 months to the end of August on November 4.

Shares in Smiths News were up 1.3% at 60.80 pence in London on Monday afternoon.

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