Re Directorate

Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC
5 November 2001




Issued by Citigate Dewe Rogerson

Date : Monday, 5 November 2001     Embargoed: 7.00am



                          Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC

                              Directorate Change




Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC ('Dechra') announces that Ian Page has been
appointed Chief Executive of the Group with immediate effect.


This appointment follows the decision by Gary Evans to resign. He has been
Chief Executive of the Group since 1997, and will step down from the Board
with immediate effect.


Ian Page (Aged 40), was appointed to the Board of Dechra in 1997 at the time
of the MBO. He has worked for the Group's principal trading subsidiary -
National Veterinary Services Limited ('NVS') - since its launch in 1989 and,
since his appointment as Managing Director of NVS in 1998, has been
responsible for leading NVS to the achievement of its present market share in
the UK of some 44%.


Ian has also played a key role in the development of the Group's growth
strategy and the Board is confident that the operating team, established by
Ian Page at NVS over the last three years, is well equipped to take the
business forward. The appointment of a new Managing Director for NVS is
underway.


Peter Redfern, Chairman, said:


'This change in no way reflects on the performance of the Group. Current
trading across the Group continues to meet our expectations with activities
across both operating divisions developing in line with our plans. As
indicated in our last trading update, issued at the time of the AGM (16th
October), we perceive many opportunities to enhance our business, both
organically and by acquisition, and have confidence in the Group's ability to
translate these opportunities into reality in the future.'


'On behalf of the Directors and staff, I want to record our thanks to Gary for
the contribution he has made to the achievement of the market position we
currently enjoy. We wish him well for the future.'


'Ian has the unanimous support of the Board in his new role. We are very
confident that his positive leadership will see the Group successfully through
its next phase of development.'


Enquiries:
Peter Redfern, Chairman                      Fiona Tooley
Ian Page, Chief Executive                    Citigate Dewe Rogerson
Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC                   Tel: [phone]
Today: 020 7767 1000
Mob: [phone] (PR)                       Mob: [phone]
Mob: [phone] (IP)
Thereafter: 01539 821455 (PR)