New Non-Executive Director

Marks & Spencer PLC
8 March 2002

                                                                    8 March 2002



               NEW NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO JOIN MARKS & SPENCER

Marks and Spencer p.l.c. today announces the appointment of Paul Myners as a
Non-Executive Director with effect from Tuesday 2 April 2002 of its new holding
company, Marks and Spencer Group p.l.c.

Paul Myners, 53, is a leading figure in the City following a successful career
in investment management. After graduating with a First Class Honours degree he
worked for two years as a financial journalist with the Daily Telegraph. Then in
1974 he started his banking career with N M Rothschild where he was appointed to
the board aged 29. He worked in Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong before returning to
London in 1983.

In 1985 he was appointed Chief Executive at Gartmore becoming Executive Chairman
in 1987 and serving on the board of the parent company, British & Commonwealth
from 1986 to 1990. In 1996 Gartmore was acquired by the NatWest Group when Paul
assumed responsibility for the investment management and private equity
activities of NatWest, being appointed to the Group board the following year
with additional responsibility for Coutts & Co and NatWest's insurance, offshore
banking and stockbroking activities. Gartmore was sold to Nationwide Mutual of
Ohio in May 2000 when he remained as Chairman to facilitate the transition,
retiring in December 2001.

Paul Myners has long played a part in public life leading to his most recent
report on institutional investment, with all recommendations now being accepted
by the Government.

His current directorships include Chairman of Guardian Media Group,
Non-Executive Director of mm02 and his most recent appointment to the board of
the Bank of New York. He is a City Disputes Panellist, a member of the Financial
Reporting Council and Chairman of the Lloyd's of London Investment Committee.
Amongst his non-business activities, Paul is a Trustee of The Royal Academy, a
Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and Chairman designate of the Tate St Ives.

Luc Vandevelde, Chairman and Chief Executive, said : 'I am delighted that Paul
is joining the board of Marks and Spencer Group p.l.c.. His considerable
experience will complement the diverse talent of our board. He will also add
significant authority to our non-executive membership during a very exciting
time in the Company's future development.'





For further information, please contact :

Cheryl Kuczynski, Marks & Spencer's Corporate Press Office  020 7268 6436 or 1919



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