Swann could deliver

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER
Updated: 15:14 EST, 4 April 2010

WH Smith chief executive Kate Swann is tipped as a leading candidate to succeed Royal Mail boss Adam Crozier.

Swann, known for her feisty - if rather bossy demeanour, has been running books and stationery chain WH Smith since 2003 and has always been ambitious to move onto bigger things.

The Royal Mail, which appointed headhunters Egon Zehnder to look for a replacement for Crozier, is eyeing up Swann for its shortlist of potential candidates.

Running the postal delivery service is no easy job. Crozier became embroiled in numerous disputes with staff as he tried to slash costs, leading to crippling strikes which have infuriated the public.

He is joining ITV as chief executive this month. Royal Mail declined to comment.