Henry Staunton appointed as new chairman of Post Office Limited

Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng has today (Friday 2 September) appointed Henry Staunton as the new chairman of Post Office Limited.

Mr Staunton, who has been chairman of WH Smith for the past 9 years, will lead the Board of Directors as the business looks to the future as well as working to right the past wrongs of the Horizon IT dispute.

In the role, Mr Staunton will lead the Post Office as it continues to sustain a modern and thriving network of branches delivering essential services for individuals, communities, and businesses across the UK.

Mr Staunton will take up his post on 1 December 2022 subject to completion of pre-appointment checks. He replaces Tim Parker, who completes his second term as chair on 30 September 2022. Ben Tidswell, currently a non-executive member of the Board, will act as interim chairman during October and November.

Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said:

Henry Staunton brings notable expertise and experience to the Post Office, and I am extremely pleased he is taking up the position. Post Offices play a vital role in communities and for small businesses across the United Kingdom, and I’m proud of our ongoing support for the company.

I would also like to thank Tim Parker for his leadership and commitment over the past 7 years and wish him well for the future.

Incoming Chairman of Post Office Limited Henry Staunton said:

I am delighted to be appointed chair of the Post Office as it continues its modernisation, working in partnership with its Postmasters. In this challenging economic climate post offices in every community of the United Kingdom are relied upon for sending and collecting parcels, depositing and withdrawing cash and paying energy bills. My priority is to ensure that there is a sustainable, commercially viable Post Office network that meets the needs of its Postmasters and its customers for generations to come.

Notes for editors

Henry Staunton is currently chairman of WH Smith and chairman of Capital and Counties. He has previously been chairman of The Phoenix Group and Ashtead Group, vice chairman of Legal and General, and has also served on the boards of ITN, BSkyB, Ladbrokes and Standard Bank.

2. These appointments have been made in accordance with the Governance Code for Public Appointments and are made pending pre-appointment checks.