Directorate Change

Crest Nicholson PLC
08 August 2003



8th August, 2003


APPOINTMENT OF PETER DARBY AS FINANCE DIRECTOR



The Board of Crest Nicholson PLC (the "Group") announces that Peter Darby is to
succeed Clive Littler as Finance Director on 27th August, 2003.



Peter, aged 53 and a chartered accountant, is currently the Finance Director of
Crest Nicholson (London) Ltd.  He rejoined the Group in 2001 and has extensive
industry knowledge.  He was formerly Finance Director of Wimpey Homes, a
division of George Wimpey PLC, before which he was Finance Director of The
Berkeley Group PLC.   Prior to joining The Berkeley Group he worked for Crest
Nicholson from 1987 to 1996 in finance and general management roles in the
Group's residential and commercial businesses.



Commenting today, John Matthews, Chairman, said:



"We would like to thank Clive Littler for his invaluable contribution to the
development of Crest throughout the thirty years he has been with us.  We wish
him every happiness in his retirement.



"We are delighted to announce that Peter Darby is to succeed Clive as Finance
Director. Peter's in-depth knowledge of Crest, combined with his excellent
experience, means he will be a tremendous asset to the Group."





There are no circumstances to be disclosed in accordance with paragraphs 6.F.2
(b) to (g) of the Listing Rules for Mr Darby.



Enquiries to:


John Matthews, Chairman                                Andrew Fenwick/
John Callcutt, Chief Executive                         Kate Miller
Crest Nicholson PLC                                    Brunswick
Tel: [phone]                                      Tel: [phone]



Additional note:



Peter Darby



Peter Darby has most recently served as Finance Director of Crest Nicholson
(London) Ltd.



Peter has extensive industry knowledge as well as an in-depth understanding of
Crest Nicholson. He was formerly Finance Director of Wimpey Homes, a division of
George Wimpey PLC, before which he was, from 1996 to 2000, with The Berkeley
Group PLC, initially as Finance Director of Berkeley Homes Plc and then as
Finance Director for the Group.



Prior to joining Berkeley Group he worked for Crest Nicholson as Finance
Director of Crest Homes PLC (1991 - 1996), Commercial Property Division Finance
Director (1990 - 1991), Managing Director of Crest Estates Limited (1988 - 1990)
and Finance Director of Crest Estates Ltd (1987 - 1988).



Former roles:  Peter was a management consultant at Coopers & Lybrand (1984 -
1987) and prior to that at McDermott International (1978 - 1984), the energy
services company which provides design, construction and project management
services to the offshore oil industry.  He qualified as a Chartered Accountant
at Peat Marwick Mitchell in 1976 where he worked from 1973 - 1977.

Peter has a degree in Modern Languages from Cambridge University and is a member
of the Institute of Chartered Accountants.


                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange   D

BOAFGGGRLRKGFZG