Keir will replace CEO Michael C. Wilkins as he transitions to the new position on the board of directors as Chairman of WHSmith North America
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LAS VEGAS – Marshall Retail Group (MRG) and InMotion, both WHSmith companies, are pleased to announce Toby Keir, formerly managing director of WHSmith Travel, was appointed as CEO of both companies on Nov. 1. Former Marshall Retail Group CEO Michael C. Wilkins will begin his transition with the board of directors as Chairman of WHSmith North America at the end of this year. In his role as CEO, Keir will lead the growth and development of all existing and future Marshall Retail Group and InMotion locations nationwide.
“It has been the highlight of my career and a privilege to work with the Marshall family and to serve the organization through the massive growth and dynamic changes we’ve seen at Marshall Retail Group,” said current CEO Michael C. Wilkins. “I could not be prouder of the team we’ve curated over my past 19 years, and I am certain that Marshall Retail Group is in good hands with the appointment of Toby Keir to CEO. Toby will bring exciting new perspectives and ideas to our business while maintaining what has made us special. As an organization, we’ve seen an exponential amount of growth over the past few years, most recently announcing that we have won over 50 stores that are yet to open, and that’s just the beginning. I look forward to seeing what’s to come for the bright future of Marshall Retail Group.”
“After spending 19 incredible years with WHSmith, I am thrilled to be taking on the position as CEO of Marshall Retail Group,” said Keir. “Teamwork and customer-service have always remained my guiding principles, and I look forward to being a part of an organization that shares in those values and is steadfast in its commitment to serving its amazing customers. Marshall Retail Group’s distinctive position as America’s leading specialty retailer in the airport marketplace allows them to create so many unique customer experiences, and I am delighted to be joining the team and look forward to enhancing these incredible experiences. I’d like to personally thank Michael for his outstanding leadership, and I look forward to joining forces with David Charles, President and COO of Marshall Retail Group, to collaborate on ideas and strategies to support the significant growth opportunities ahead. I’m truly honored to be joining the Marshall Retail Group family.”
Over his 19-year career with WHSmith, Keir has held many pivotal roles within the company, most recently serving as managing director of its approximately 600-store UK travel business, primarily across airports. With a customer-forward vision, Keir will be working very closely with the team and taking a hands-on approach to his new role as CEO of Marshall Retail Group.
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About Marshall Retail Group
Marshall Retail Group (MRG) is America’s leading specialty retailer in the airport and casino- resort marketplace. For 65 years, MRG has provided clients with a collection of attractive, successful brands in more than 300 standalone stores, with over half operating inside 46 airports nationwide. MRG prides itself on ‘creating unique experiences’ for customers by developing distinctive retail store concepts that feature and highlight the local culture, community and lifestyle of the cities in which they are located. MRG, along with the largest electronics-based retailer in the nation, InMotion, are now wholly owned subsidiaries of WH Smith, the leading global retailer in news, books and convenience for the world’s traveling customer. For more information visit: marshallretailgroup.com. Like and follow MRG on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
About WH Smith
WH Smith is a leading global retailer in news, books and convenience for the world’s travelling customer. With more than 1,700 stores across over 30 countries worldwide, WH Smith offer customers a wide range of books, newspapers & magazines, travel and tech accessories and food and drink.
The Company has a growing international business with over 580 stores primarily across the world’s leading airports. In November 2018, WH Smith acquired InMotion, a leading digital accessories retailer in US airports, with over 115 stores. In December 2019, WH Smith acquired Marshall Retail Group (MRG), a leading and fast-growing US travel retailer with over 170 stores.
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