Leading news wholesaler Smiths News has announced the appointment of Richard Clay as chief financial officer.
His start date is yet to be finalised, but he is expected to be in the role no later than January 30, 2026.
Clay, who has extensive experience in senior finance and strategic roles across financial and support services, joins Smiths News from ZIGUP plc, a leading integrated mobility solutions provider, where he currently holds the role of interim CFO and UK&I group finance director.
Clay joined ZIGUP in May 2018, and has held a variety of roles since, including head of group strategy, FP&A and investor relations.
Prior to his role at ZIGUP, he held several FD and CFO roles at Barclays, in the business and corporate banking divisions. clay is a qualified accountant and began his career with deloitte, spending eight years in their corporate finance division focussed on strategic change.
On joining, he will immediately also be appointed as a director of the company.
“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,” David Blackwood, chairman of Smiths News, commented.
“We look forward to working with Richard as he brings his wealth of financial, strategic and commercial expertise to help drive these revenue streams, alongside continuing to leverage our existing skills and capabilities.”
Clay replaces current chief financial officer Paul Baker who announced in March his intention to step down as a director and CFO in order to join a large private business operating in a different sector.