Stephen Johnson appointed MD - Shoe & Leathergoods

Pittards PLC
15 November 1999


                   APPOINTMENT - SHOE & LEATHERGOODS DIVISION

The Board of Pittards plc is pleased to announce that Stephen Johnson (age 42)
has been appointed Managing Director (Designate) of the Shoe & Leathergoods
Division with effect from 1 January 2000.  He will join the Group Board and
assume full executive responsibilities for the Division on 3 April 2000.

Mr Johnson is currently Technical Director of the Glove Leather Division.  He
joined Pittards in July 1998 after 20 years experience within the leather
industry.

He will succeed Tony Marriott who has done an outstanding job in leading the
Shoe & Leathergoods Division back to profitability.  Dr Marriott indicated at
the time of his appointment as Managing Director in December 1997 that it was
his intention to relinquish his executive responsibilities for the Division in
April next year, when he will be 60.


Enquiries:
John Buckley                       Pittards                  Tel: [phone] 
Group Finance Director