WH Smith has announced the appointment of Robert Moorhead as finance director of its retail chain.

He has joined from Specsavers Optical Group where he has been group finance director since September 2002, and he has also worked for World Duty Free Europe and has held senior management posts at B&Q and Kingfisher.

WH Smith group chief executive Kate Swann said: "I am pleased to welcome Robert to WH Smith. Robert has extensive skills and experience. His background will be particularly valuable as we turn around the performance of the High Street business."

Mr Moorhead said: "I look forward to joining WH Smith at a time when there is real momentum for change.

"I am excited by the prospect of working with the retail management team towards the future success of the company."