Board Appointment

Smith WH PLC
30 March 2005





30 March 2005


                                BOARD APPOINTMENT

                             NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

WH Smith PLC today announces the appointment of Mike Ellis as a non-executive
director and Chairman of the Audit Committee with immediate effect.

From 2001, until the end of October 2004, Mike Ellis was Group Finance Director
of HBOS plc, the UK's largest mortgage and savings provider. Prior to this, for
fourteen years, Mike worked in a number of senior executive positions at Halifax
plc and was appointed Chief Operating Officer in 1999.

WHSmith's Chairman, Robert Walker said: 'We are delighted to welcome Mike Ellis
to the Board and appoint him as Chairman of the Audit Committee. With his
extensive financial experience, including retail banking, Mike will be a
valuable member of the Board as we implement our turnaround plans for the
Group.'

                                     -Ends-

Enquiries:

WH Smith PLC
Louise Evans                     020 7851 8850


Brunswick
Charlotte Kenyon                 020 7404 5959






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