Change to Board of Directors

Whitbread PLC
27 July 2000

Whitbread appoints Charles Gurassa as a non-executive director


Whitbread today announced the appointment of Charles Gurassa as a non-executive
director. Mr Gurassa (44) is Group Chief Executive of Thomson Travel Group Plc.

Mr Gurassa started his career with Thomas Cook and held several positions in the
UK and overseas before becoming General Manager of the Group's retail chain. He
joined British Airways in 1989 as Head of Leisure becoming Head of World Sales
in 1995 and Director of Passenger and Cargo Business in 1997. He was also
responsible for the establishment of BA's budget airline Go.

Sir John Banham, Chairman of Whitbread, said 'I am delighted that Charles is to
join the Board. He has been responsible for major service businesses which
operate to the best international standards and has direct experience of leisure
retailing. He will bring a valuable perspective to our thinking.'

For further information please contact:

City: David Reed  020 7615  1324

Press: Dan Waugh  020 7615  1059