New Group Chief Executive

Smith WH PLC
04 July 2003

                                                                     4 July 2003


                   WH SMITH PLC ANNOUNCE APPOINTMENT OF
                  NEW GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE AND CHAIRMAN


WH Smith PLC today announces the appointment of Kate Swann as Group Chief
Executive.  Kate joins from GUS Plc, where she is Managing Director of Argos.

Upon her appointment, Richard Handover, currently Group Chief Executive will
become Chairman of the WH Smith Group. It is anticipated that Richard will carry
out this role until the AGM in January 2005. During this period he will provide
the necessary support to ensure an orderly transition.

Martin Taylor will retire as Chairman of the Group but will remain Chairman of
the WH Smith Pension Trust.

Martin Taylor, Chairman, commented: 'We are very pleased to have attracted an
executive of Kate's ability and high promise. Her track record is outstanding.

'We believe the management transition will be most effectively handled by
Richard Handover becoming Chairman for a limited period. I am therefore stepping
down from the chair when Kate arrives; I do this with great confidence in the
Company's future.'

Richard Handover, Group Chief Executive, commented: 'It is a great pleasure to
welcome Kate Swann as the Group Chief Executive of WHSmith. She brings with her
fresh thinking and great energy to drive the Group forward. As I take the role
of Chairman, I look forward to working alongside Kate.

'On behalf of the entire Board, I would like to thank Martin for his immense
contribution to WHSmith.  He has brought a unique blend of wisdom and sharp
commercial acumen to the team, and his insightful leadership of the Board has
commanded huge respect.  He will be missed and he leaves us with our very best
wishes'.

Kate Swann commented: 'I am delighted to have this opportunity to lead WHSmith.
The Group benefits from a strong, well-established brand and leading positions
in its key markets. I am excited at the growth prospects and challenges that lie
ahead and look forward to working with the team.'



                                    - Ends -



Enquires:


WH Smith PLC

Richard Handover, Group Chief Executive                            020 7409 3222
John Warren, Group Finance Director                                020 7514 9608
Richard Manhire, Investor Relations                                020 7514 9608
Louise Evans, Media Relations                                      020 7514 9624

Brunswick

Timothy Grey                                                       020 7404 5959


Notes to Editors:

Kate Swann

Kate has a wide range of marketing and retail experience, having started her
career at Tesco Plc as a Marketing Executive. She spent four years working for
Homepride Foods before joining Coca Cola Schweppes Beverages in 1992. At Coca
Cola Schweppes Kate went on to become the General Marketing Manager.

In 1993 Kate joined Dixons Stores Group, initially as the Group Marketing
Controller, and she quickly progressed to Marketing Director of Currys. After
four years at Dixons Stores Group, she took up the role of Marketing Director of
Homebase and within 18 months became the Managing Director.

She has held her current role as Managing Director of Argos since 2000 and in
the same year she joined the Board of Lambert Howarth Plc as a Non Executive
Director in 2000.

Kate is 38 and is married with two children.


WH Smith PLC

Richard Handover joined WHSmith in 1964 and has served as Group Chief Executive
of the WH Smith Group since October 1997.

Martin Taylor has served as Chairman of WH Smith PLC since November 1999.



                      This information is provided by RNS
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