Smiths News appoints Richard Clay as new CFO

Published 31/07/2025, 07:12
Smiths News appoints Richard Clay as new CFO

LONDON - Smiths News PLC (LSE:SNWS), the UK’s largest news wholesaler, announced Thursday the appointment of Richard Clay as Chief Financial Officer, effective by January 30, 2026.

Clay, who currently serves as Interim CFO and UK&I Group Finance Director at mobility solutions provider ZIGUP plc, will replace outgoing CFO Paul Baker. Baker previously announced his departure on March 4, 2025, to join a private business in a different sector.

The incoming executive brings financial and strategic experience from various sectors. Since joining ZIGUP in May 2018, Clay has held several positions including Head of Group Strategy, FP&A and Investor Relations. His prior experience includes Financial Director and CFO roles at Barclays (LON:BARC) in the Business and Corporate Banking divisions. Clay began his career at Deloitte, spending eight years in their Corporate Finance division focused on strategic change.

Upon joining Smiths News, Clay will also be appointed as a Director of the Company.

"I am delighted to welcome Richard to Smiths News as Chief Financial Officer," said David Blackwood, Chairman of Smiths News, in the press release statement. "Richard joins at an exciting time for the business as we continue to capitalise on our first-class newspaper and magazine distribution capabilities and to further diversify across the specialist distribution market."

Smiths News, which specializes in newspaper and magazine distribution, also provides early morning end-to-end supply chain solutions.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

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