Malhotra, a Chartered Accountant since 1998, brings a wealth of experience to Smiths News, having held a series of high-ranking positions at Harvey Nichols Group Ltd, including CFO, COO, and CEO between 2010 and 2023. She currently holds the position of non-executive director and Audit Committee chair at abrdn UK Smaller Companies Growth Trust PLC, as well as non-executive director and ESG Committee chair at Workspace Group (LON: WKP ) PLC. In addition to Malhotra's appointment, the company anticipates the retirement of Mark Whiteling, Senior Independent (LON: IOG ) Director and Audit Committee chair, by the 2027 Annual General Meeting. Malhotra is expected to succeed Whiteling as chair of the Audit Committee in due course.