Kate Swann
Kathryn Elizabeth Swann (born 1964) is an English retailer.
Early life
Born in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire, Swann graduated from the University of Bradford in 1986 with a BSc in Business Management. She was ranked number 21 in the Financial Times Women in Business, Europe's top 25, in 2006. She received an honorary doctorate from the University of Bradford in July 2007.[1]
Career
Swann was made Chief Executive of food & beverage operator SSP Group in September 2013, having been CEO of WH Smith since November 2003. She previously held positions with Tesco Plc as a graduate trainee in 1989, Homepride Foods, Coca-Cola Schweppes and Dixons Stores Group. She then worked for Homebase, ultimately as Managing Director, and in 2000 was made Managing Director of Argos.
In 2006 Fortune listed her as one of the 50 most powerful women in business.[2]
In April 2015, Swann was announced as the new chancellor of the University of Bradford.[3]
The share price of SSP fell by 8% when it was announced in November 2018 that Swann is to step down from her post in May 2019.[4]
References
- ^ "First honorary graduates of 2007 for Bradford". University of Bradford Press Release. 14 July 2007. Retrieved 5 July 2008.
- ^ Fortune: 50 Most Powerful Women in Business 2006, International: Kate Swann
- ^ UK leading business woman appointed as Chancellor
- ^ Times Kate Swann to step down as SSP chief executive