Boots `rumour'

Boots `rumour'

BOOTS yesterday said reports it had told key shareholders that Steve Russell, currently joint group managing director, would be the retailer's new chief executive following the retirement of its executive chairman Lord Blyth were based on "speculation and rumour". A spokesman reiterated Boot's position that the executives know who will succeed Lord Blyth next year "but don't see any point in making an announcement at this stage".