Directorate Change

Next PLC
19 October 2005

Date:           Immediate, Wednesday 19 October 2005

Contacts:       Simon Wolfson, Chief Executive
                David Keens, Group Finance Director
                NEXT PLC
                Tel:    [phone]

                Alistair Mackinnon-Musson
                Philip Dennis
                Hudson Sandler
                Tel:    [phone]
                Email:  [e-mail]


                                    NEXT PLC

                                 Board Changes


Ahead of its usual October investor meetings, NEXT plc announces the intention
of David Jones (62) to retire as Chairman following the company's AGM in May
2006. John Barton (61), currently Deputy Chairman, has been nominated to succeed
David as Chairman and will work with David over the next six months to ensure a
smooth handover.

John was appointed to the NEXT plc Board in 2002 and was appointed Deputy
Chairman in 2004. John was Chief Executive of JIB Group Plc for thirteen years
and Chairman of Jardine Lloyd Thompson Group Plc for five years. He is also
Chairman of Wellington Underwriting Plc and a Non-Executive director of
Hammerson Plc and WH Smith Plc.

Simon Wolfson, Chief Executive, said:

'David has worked for NEXT for nearly twenty years and taken it from the brink
of bankruptcy in the early 1990's into the FTSE 100.  His blend of common sense,
financial prudence and personal warmth has been an inspiration to all of those
who have worked with him.  His achievements have been all the more remarkable,
given the ever increasing physical burden of Parkinson's disease.'

David Jones, Chairman, said:

'I will not say too much about my time at NEXT, as those who are interested can
read my book!  Suffice it to say it has been a privilege to lead the company and
work with people for whom I have enormous affection.  I am confident I will
leave the company in good hands - the combination of Simon's energy and
intelligence with John's wisdom and experience will provide the company with
excellent leadership.'

                                     -ENDS-


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