Kate Swann, chief executive of WH Smith, has won The Daily Telegraph Award for a Decade of Excellence in Business at the National Business Awards

Kate Swann wins The Daily Telegraph Award for a Decade of Excellence in Business

Kate Swann, chief executive of WH Smith, is presented with the award by Damian Reece, head of business at Telegraph Media Group Photo: Paul Grover

Ms Swann announced last month that she will stand down from retailer WH Smith next summer after 10 years in charge.

During this time, WH Smith has swung from an annual pre-tax loss of £135m to profits of more than £100m, with shareholders enjoying returns of more than 300pc despite tumultuous conditions on the high street.

Speaking at the awards in London, Ms Swann said: “The WH Smith story of the last decade has been a huge team effort and I’m accepting this award for all those people who have put in that effort. 

Report at The Daily Telegraph