Re Directorate

Whitbread Holdings PLC
20 March 2001


Whitbread - re directorate


Whitbread Holdings PLC today announced that Lord
MacLaurin of Knebworth DL has stepped down as a Non-
executive Director of the company and as Deputy Chairman
with effect from March 20, 2001.

Sir John Banham, Chairman, said: 'Ian's retailing skills
have been particularly helpful to the Whitbread board as
we have transformed the company into a leisure retailer.
On behalf of all of my colleagues I should like to thank
him for the contribution he has made.'

Lord MacLaurin said:  'I have enjoyed my time at
Whitbread and regret that my commitments elsewhere have
meant my stepping down.  The actions taken over the last
18 months have created a far stronger company with
excellent prospects and I wish Whitbread well for the
future.'



Please contact:

David Reed               020 7806 5437
Jeremy Probert      020 7806 5443