Directorate Change

Whitbread PLC
25 March 2004


25 March 2004


Whitbread appoints new hotels chief


Whitbread PLC announced today that Patrick Dempsey has been appointed to the
position of managing director, Whitbread Hotel Company to run its estate of
Marriott hotels.    He will take over from Alan Parker who replaces Whitbread's
current chief executive, David Thomas when he retires in June 2004.

Dempsey (aged 45) joins Whitbread from Macdonald Hotels where he had been chief
executive.  He began his career in the hospitality industry at Forte and has
held several management positions, including managing director of its Posthouse
chain and its London hotels division.   Between 2001 and 2003 he worked for
Compass Group as chief executive of Restaurants Associates.

Alan Parker, CEO designate, Whitbread PLC said, 'We are very pleased that
Patrick is joining Whitbread to run our Marriott operation.  He's an extremely
well-respected hotel operator and I'm handing over the reins to someone who will
do a great job in maintaining Marriott's position as the UK industry leader'.

Whitbread is the exclusive UK franchisee for the Marriott brand in the UK. It
operates upscale hotels under the Marriott, Courtyard by Marriott and
Renaissance brands.


For further information please contact:

Whitbread PLC                                        Whitbread Hotel Company

Dan Waugh                                            Anna Glover
Direct: 020 7806 5442                                Direct: 01582 499246
Mobile: [phone]                                 Mobile: [phone]


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