Directorate Change

Petards Group PLC
24 March 2005



                 PETARDS GROUP PLC ('PETARDS' OR 'THE COMPANY')

                         APPOINTMENT OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE


Petards, the AIM quoted developer of advanced security systems, announces that
David Hayes has been appointed Chief Executive of the Company with effect from
today. Tim Wightman, Executive Chairman, will revert to the role of
Non-Executive Chairman but will continue to take an active involvement in the
development of the Company.


David joined the Company in March 2004 as Managing Director of the Security &
Surveillance division. During the last twelve months, he has played a major role
in the changes at Petards that the Board believes will lead to the Company's
sustained profitability in the future.


Tim Wightman, Chairman of Petards, said


'David Hayes has brought valuable commercial experience to the Company and
particular expertise to the exploitation of its software capabilities. The Board
is confident that he will continue to make a major impact in this wider role.'







Contacts:


Petards Group Plc                                     Binns & Co PR Ltd
Tim Wightman, Chairman                                Paul McManus
Geoff Carswell, Chief Executive                       Tel: [phone]
Tel: [phone]                                    Mob: [phone]




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