WH Smith is set to appoint former Balfour Beatty boss Leo Quinn as executive chairman from 7th April, subject to shareholder approval.

Current chair Annette Court will step down after the retail giant’s AGM on 2nd February, with senior independent director Simon Emeny will act as interim non-executive chair in the meantime.

Quinn brings more than two decades of experience leading listed UK businesses, most recently overseeing a major turnaround and growth programme at Balfour Beatty.

The news comes two months on from the resignation of CEO Carl Cowling, who left after accounting inconsistencies in supplier income recognition within its North America division were identified.