Who Is WH Smith PLC?
WH Smith PLC is a leading British retailer with a rich history dating back to 1792. Headquartered in Swindon, Wiltshire, the company has grown into a global travel and high street retail brand. It operates in two main segments: Travel and High Street.
The Travel division is a trusted presence in high-footfall locations such as airports, railway stations, hospitals, and motorway service stations.
WH Smith has expanded internationally, operating in over 30 countries, including North America through Marshall Retail Group and InMotion.
Its High Street stores remain a staple in UK town centres, offering books, newspapers, gifts, cards, and stationery.
WH Smith also runs online brands like Funkypigeon.com and Cultpens.com, catering to digital shoppers.
Committed to enhancing every journey, WH Smith continues to provide quality, value, and convenience to customers worldwide.
Who Are the Founders and Directors of WH Smith PLC?
WH Smith PLC’s roots trace back to 1792, when the company was founded by Henry Walton Smith and his wife Anna Smith, originally as a small news vendor in London.
Their son, William Henry Smith, later joined the business, giving rise to the now-iconic name “WH Smith”.
The brand has since become one of Britain’s most recognised retail chains, playing a pioneering role in developing the first chain of railway bookstalls in the 1840s.
Today, WH Smith PLC is managed by an experienced and diverse board of directors, each contributing deep industry knowledge, strategic insight, and operational leadership.
Current Key Directors (As of 2025)
| Name | Role | Appointed | Background |
| Carl David Cowling | Director / CEO | 26 Feb 2019 | Experienced in retail operations and strategy |
| Ian Houghton | Company Secretary | 21 Jun 2006 | Oversees governance and corporate compliance |
| Colette Burke | Chief Commercial Officer | 1 Jul 2023 | Former senior executive in global retail |
| Annette Elizabeth Court | Non-Executive Director | 1 Sep 2022 | Background in financial services and digital strategy |
| Nicola Joy Dulieu | Non-Executive Director | 9 Sep 2020 | Specialist in HR and retail governance |
| Simon Emeny | Company Director | 26 Feb 2019 | Executive in hospitality and retail |
| Maxwell Leslie James Izzard | Company Director | 1 Dec 2024 | Expertise in finance and commercial operations |
| Situl Suryakant Jobanputra | Director | 1 Mar 2024 | Former strategy advisor and investor relations |
| Helen Claire Rose | Director | 1 Jul 2024 | Background in financial planning and control |
The Board combines retail sector knowledge, international experience, and a commitment to ethical leadership.
Their combined vision is to position WH Smith as a global leader in travel convenience while sustaining its UK high street heritage.
What Are the Capital and Turnover Details?
WH Smith PLC is a publicly listed company on the London Stock Exchange under the ticker SMWH, and is part of the FTSE 250 Index.
Financial Summary of WH Smith
| Financial Indicator | Details |
| Company Registration Number | 05202036 |
| Company Type | Public Limited Company |
| Incorporation Date | 10 August 2004 |
| Last Accounts Date | 31 August 2024 |
| Next Accounts Due | 28 February 2026 |
| Revenue (2023) | £1.79 billion+ |
| Employees | Approx. 14,000 |
| UK High Street Stores | 520+ |
| UK Travel Stores | 580+ |
| North America Stores | 320+ |
| Rest of the World Stores | 320+ |
WH Smith’s financial health is underpinned by its global expansion strategy, innovation in private label products, and a balanced mix of high-margin product categories.
The business delivers sustainable returns to its shareholders through continuous operational improvement and diversified income streams.
What Services and Features Does WH Smith PLC Offer?
WH Smith’s diverse operations span both physical and digital retail, catering to travellers, students, book lovers, and everyday consumers.
Travel Retail
WHSmith Travel is a cornerstone of the company’s global strategy. The Travel division includes retail stores located in:
- UK Airports
- Rail Stations
- Hospitals
- Motorway Service Stations
- International Airports in 30+ countries
Product Offerings Include
- Books, magazines, newspapers
- Travel essentials (e.g. adaptors, pillows, locks)
- Health and beauty items
- Digital accessories
- Snacks and beverages
- Branded souvenirs
The stores are designed for quick access, convenience, and impulse purchasing, and tailored to the specific requirements of each travel location.
High Street Retail
The High Street division remains vital to WH Smith’s UK presence. Products include:
- Stationery (greeting cards, pens, notebooks, etc.)
- Books (bestsellers, academic, children’s)
- Magazines and Newspapers
- Toys and Games
- Seasonal gifts and confectionery
The High Street stores experience peak trading during Christmas, Easter, and Back-to-School seasons. Some stores also house Post Offices, making them essential service points in many communities.
E-Commerce Brands
WH Smith’s digital expansion includes a suite of niche websites:
| Brand | Specialisation |
| WHSmith.co.uk | Books, stationery, gifts |
| Funkypigeon.com | Personalised greeting cards and gifts |
| Cultpens.com | Specialist pen retailer |
| Treeofhearts.co.uk | Wedding stationery |
| Dottyaboutpaper.co.uk | Event and party stationery |
Own Brand Innovation
WH Smith’s in-house design and sourcing team drives product innovation. Their private label range includes:
- Destination Travel products
- Sustainable stationery (recycled paper, certified pulp)
- Fashion stationery collections inspired by global design trends
This approach ensures that WH Smith continues to lead in quality, sustainability, and design.
How to Contact WH Smith?
WH Smith offers multiple ways to get in touch, whether you’re a customer, investor, media representative, or job seeker.
Their dedicated support teams ensure quick responses to various inquiries and concerns.
Contact Information
| Department | Contact Details |
| Head Office Address | Greenbridge Road, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN3 3RX, UK, serving as the central business hub. |
| General Enquiries | Call +44 (0)1793 616161 for business-related questions and general support. |
| Registered Office | Aldgate Tower, 2 Leman Street, London, E1 8FA, UK, for official correspondence. |
| Customer Support | Email customer.relations@whsmith.co.uk for assistance with products or services. |
| Media Enquiries | Contact +44 (0)1793 563354 or press.office@whsmith.co.uk for press-related inquiries. |
| Investor Relations | Email investor.relations@whsmith.co.uk for financial information and shareholder queries. |
| Careers & Recruitment | Job seekers can reach the HR team at +44 (0)1793 563151 or recruitmentteam@whsmith.co.uk. |
| Sustainability Queries | Email sustainability@whsmith.co.uk for concerns related to environmental initiatives. |
Whether you need customer service support, media information, or career opportunities, WH Smith provides multiple communication channels for assistance.
Why Choose WH Smith PLC?
WH Smith operates over 1,700 stores in 32 countries, blending a global presence with a local feel. It balances international travel retail with a continued commitment to UK high streets.
Innovation is central to its strategy, with advancements in product lines, store formats, and e-commerce platforms like Funkypigeon.com.
The company is financially strong, listed on the London Stock Exchange and part of the FTSE 250.
It prioritises sustainability through its “Journey to a Better Business” initiative, focusing on carbon reduction and ethical sourcing.
Key strengths include:
- Customer-centric values ensuring trust and service excellence
- Diverse product offerings including books, stationery, and travel essentials
- Multichannel presence expanding digital and in-store accessibility
WH Smith’s commitment to quality, value, and innovation makes it a reliable choice for customers and investors alike.
