Board Change

Smith WH PLC
03 March 2005


                                                                    3 March 2005

                                    WH SMITH PLC

                                     BOARD CHANGE


WH Smith PLC announces the appointment of Alan Stewart as Group Finance
Director, in succession to John Warren who steps down from the Board today.

Following the divestments in 2004, the Board believes that the role of Group
Finance Director now needs a stronger operational focus and less of an
international focus to deliver the plans for the Group.

Alan Stewart (44), previously Chief Executive of Thomas Cook UK Ltd., joins the
Board of WHSmith today and will begin as Group Finance Director on 4 March 2005.
Following a transition period, John Warren will leave WHSmith on 31 March 2005.

Alan Stewart joined Thomas Cook Holdings Ltd in 1998 as Group Treasurer and was
appointed Chief Financial Officer in the same year. In 2001 he was appointed
Chief Executive of Thomas Cook UK Ltd and became a member of the Thomas Cook AG
Board. He is a non-executive director of Games Workshop Group plc.
Kate Swann, Group Chief Executive WH Smith PLC, said: 'I am delighted to welcome
Alan to WHSmith. He is an experienced finance director with strong operational
skills and a solid track record of turning around an underperforming business.

'I would also like to thank John for his contribution to the Group over the last
five years and for his expertise in reshaping the Group over the past eighteen
months. He leaves WHSmith with our best wishes for the future.'

John Warren said: 'I am delighted with the progress that we have achieved in
restructuring the Company, and wish Kate and the team every success as they
continue to implement the turnaround plans for the Group.'

Alan Stewart said: 'I am pleased to be joining WHSmith and working with Kate and
the team to address the challenges that lie ahead and establish plans that will
contribute to the future success of the Company. WHSmith benefits from a strong,
well established brand and leading positions in its key markets.'

                                     -Ends-
Enquiries:

WH Smith PLC

Louise Evans Media Relations 020 7851 8850
Mark Boyle Investor Relations 020 7851 8820

Brunswick

Tom Buchanan 020 7404 5959
Pam Small

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