Smiths News has hired Paul Baker as chief financial officer.

He will commence his new role on 4 October, where he will also be joining the board of directors.

He is to replace Tony Grace, who will be retiring from his executive role on 31 December. Grace will be stepping down from the board on 30 November to support the handover period and the finalisation of its current financial year results.  ^.

Baker’s appointment will follow almost eight years at Compass Group, where he most recently held the position as integration director.

He has previously taken on various regional and divisional finance director roles, including at Birds Eye from 2011 to 2013, and Cadbury Schweppes from 1997 to 2010.

”I am delighted to welcome Paul to Smiths News as chief financial officer,” said Smith News chairman David Blackwood.

“He brings with him a track record of delivering strategic and operational change in fast-moving environments and is expected to further enhance and broaden the executive team’s capability and experience. 

“As a board, we look forward to working with Paul and would also like to wish Tony a happy and healthy forthcoming retirement.”