Directorate Change

Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC
8 July 2002



Issued by Citigate Dewe Rogerson, Birmingham

Date: Monday 8th July 2002                              Embargoed 07.00am



                           Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC

                             Non-Executive Chairman



Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC ('Dechra') announces the appointment of Michael
Redmond as Non-Executive Chairman of the Group with immediate effect.

Mr Redmond, aged 58, has been a Non-Executive Director at Dechra since April
2001. A graduate from Cambridge University and City University, London, Mr
Redmond started with Glaxo Group plc and later held senior positions at Schering
Plough Corporation. In 1991, he joined Fisons plc as Regional Director Europe
and in 1993, he was appointed to the Main Board of Fisons as Managing Director
of the Pharmaceuticals Division. He remained with the Group until March 1996,
playing a key role in the integration of the Company into RPR following its
takeover in October 1995. His former Directorships include Biocompatibles
International plc, CeNeS plc, and Cantab Pharmaceuticals plc.

Commenting on Mr Redmond's appointment Ian Page, Chief Executive, Dechra said:

'Now that Michael's Non-Executive portfolio has reduced sufficiently to allow
him the time to take on the role of Chairman, we can utilise his extensive
experience and knowledge of the pharmaceuticals industry to help develop the
strategic growth of the Group as we continue to build our presence within the
animal healthcare markets both in the UK and overseas, in particular with our
licensed veterinary product portfolio and contract manufacturing.

'On behalf of the team at Dechra, I would like to thank Malcolm Diamond for
stepping temporarily into the Chair in January this year - His on-going counsel
to the Board as the Senior Non-Executive remains crucial in our future
development.

'In due course, it is the intention of the Group to add a further Non-Executive
Director who can bring additional skills to the team.'

Mr Redmond is also a Non-Executive Director and Chairman of Microscience Ltd,
Synexus Ltd, and Arakis Ltd; and Non-Executive Director of Strakan Ltd.


Enquiries:
Ian Page, Chief Executive                        Fiona Tooley, Director
Simon Evans, Finance Director                    Citigate Dewe Rogerson
Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC                       Telephone: [phone]
Telephone: [phone]
www.dechra.com


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