Board Change

IMI PLC
28 April 2005


                                                                   28 April 2005

                         IMI plc appoints new Chairman


IMI plc, the major international engineering solutions business, today announces
the appointment of Norman Askew as Chairman with effect from 14 May 2005.

Norman Askew, aged 62, has great international experience in industry including
previous positions as chief executive at Virginia Power of the US and at BNFL.
He recently stood down as Chairman of Kidde Group plc. His current positions
include the chairmanship of both Taylor Woodrow plc and the Board of Governors
of Manchester University.

His appointment follows a comprehensive search process led by the senior
independent non-executive director, Terry Gateley. He will also chair the
Nominations Committee.

Jim Leng, Chairman, commented 'Norman has a strong track record of successful
leadership and I am very pleased that he will be taking the chair from me after
the annual general meeting on 13 May'.

Norman Askew said: 'I am delighted to be joining IMI and look forward to
building on the progress that the Company has made in the last few years. As
Chairman, and together with the Board, we will continue to shape the strategy,
grow the business and so deliver shareholder value'.


For further information contact:
IMI plc
Graham Truscott, Communications Director                      Tel: [phone]

Weber Shandwick Square Mile
Nick Oborne / Stephanie Badjonat                              Tel: [phone]

Information about IMI plc can be found on the website: www.imiplc.com


Note to editors:

IMI plc is an international engineering business specialising in innovative
solutions and services for a wide range of industrial and retail customers. Its
future growth is being built on the two business areas of Fluid Controls and
Retail Dispense.

IMI's operations in these two business areas share the following core
characteristics: strong market positions in growing markets; the ability to be
clearly differentiated from their competitors through technological innovation
or after-sales service; and the provision of 'added value' through bespoke
solutions rather than a high manufacturing or material content.

IMI is quoted on the London Stock Exchange and is capitalised at approximately
£1.5bn.


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