Board Change

Smith & Nephew Plc
02 February 2006


Smith & Nephew - Finance Director Appointment


2 February 2006


Smith & Nephew plc (LSE: SN, NYSE: SNN) the global medical technology business
announces today that after 15 years as Finance Director Peter Hooley will retire
in mid 2006.  Peter has made a major contribution to the development of the
business, both strategically and financially.  The board is deeply appreciative
of his dedication to the business and his achievements in increasing shareholder
value.

The Board has conducted a thorough search process and is pleased to announce
that Adrian Hennah, currently Chief Financial Officer of Invensys plc, will be
appointed to the board as Finance Director in June 2006.

Chris O'Donnell, Chief Executive of Smith & Nephew commenting on this
appointment said 'Peter and I have worked closely together since he first joined
Smith & Nephew and in particular during the successful restructuring of the
Group.  His wise counsel and deep understanding of the business have played a
major part in growing Smith & Nephew into a worldwide leader in the medical
devices sector.

Adrian Hennah has all the characteristics we were looking for in a new Finance
Director.  He brings a combination of industrial and international experience,
as well as deep financial skills.  I welcome Adrian to the Board, to Smith &
Nephew, and the talent and strength he will bring.'

There are no details relating to the appointment of Adrian Hennah that are
required to be disclosed pursuant to paragraph 9.6.13 (1-6) of the Listing
Rules.


Enquiries

 Investors
 Sir Christopher O'Donnell                    Tel:          [phone]
 Group Chief Executive
 Smith & Nephew

 Investors / Media
 Liz Hewitt                                   Tel:          [phone]
 Group Director Corporate Affairs
 Smith & Nephew


About Adrian Hennah

Adrian Hennah (47) MA (Cantab) qualified with Price Waterhouse and worked as a
management consultant for them before joining Glaxo in 1984 where his early
roles included UK Finance and IT Director.  He continued his career at Glaxo as
General Manager at Allen & Hanbury's and Director of Glaxo UK then acting as the
global integration team leader for the Glaxo and Wellcome merger.  Following
this he then spent some time based in the US as SVP Finance and Operations for
the research and development operations of the merged business before becoming
Chief Financial Officer of Glaxo Wellcome Inc. During the merger with SmithKline
Adrian jointly led the integration team before becoming SVP Finance for
GlaxoSmithKline R&D in 2001. He joined Invensys plc as Chief Financial Officer
in 2002.


About Smith & Nephew

Smith & Nephew is a global medical technology business, specialising in
Orthopaedics, Endoscopy and Advanced Wound Management products.  Smith & Nephew
is a global leader in arthroscopy and advanced wound management and is one of
the fastest growing global orthopaedics companies.

Smith & Nephew is dedicated to helping improve people's lives.  The company
prides itself on the strength of its relationships with its surgeons and
professional healthcare customers, with whom its name is synonymous with high
standards of performance, innovation and trust.  The company has over 8,500
employees and operates in 33 countries around the world generating annual sales
of £1.25 billion.


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