Kate Swann

The fact that Kate Swann has been linked with taking over high-profile companies such as the Royal Mail is telling of the reputation she has built up while running the books and stationery retailer WHSmith. Representative of how crucial she is to the business, the board came up with an eye-watering remuneration package to ensure her loyalty. But if asked she would maintain that she has yet more to do at WHSmith before contemplating an exit just yet.

Like Woolworths, retail observers often asked of WHSmith, “would you invent it today?”. However, Swann, the only woman in the Power List Top 20, has proved nay-sayers wrong. Within the past year, analysts have put to bed

the argument that WHSmith cannot “shrink its way to profit growth forever”, believing that expansion into international markets and innovations such as shops in workplaces will drive long-term growth.

In its second half, group pre-tax profits edged up 2% to £62m, beating analyst expectations.

Swann is publicity shy and has little time for the press. But she has revitalised a business that some thought had no place on the high street. Her single-minded and no-nonsense approach should ensure she continues to do so.