The Bookseller.com

2nd December 2008

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Field steps down at John Smith

12.12.07 Tom Tivnan

Terry Field is stepping down as m.d. of John Smith & Son, after five years as head of the academic bookseller. A new m.d. will be appointed in early 2008. Willie Anderson, former m.d. and currently deputy chairman, is also relinquishing his executive responsibilities from spring 2008 but will remain on the bookseller's board as a non executive director.

A further change at John Smith will see Robert Gray, who has headed the company's Hammicks Legal operation since joining from Coutts Information Services earlier this year, appointed as m.d. of the legal division.

Chief executive Peter Gray said: "Terry has made an enormous contribution to the business throughout his time with us, bringing a new standard of professionalism to every area of operations and creating a strong management team and culture. He will be greatly missed by all of his colleagues but we understand his decision and he leaves with my sincere personal thanks and our very best wishes for the future."

Field added: "It has been a truly exhilarating period during which the company has more than doubled in size and successfully repositioned itself to reflect the changing market dynamics. But it has also been very demanding and, after nearly five and a half years- over four of them as m.d.-and with both of my children now at university, I just feel that the time is right for me to stand down, step back and take some time out to think about what I want to do for the rest of my career."

tom tivnan willie anderson John Smith Terry Field