Appointment

Smith & Nephew Plc
15 April 2002

15 April 2002



                    NEW PRESIDENT FOR SMITH & NEPHEW ORTHOPAEDICS
                      Larry Papasan announces plans to retire

Smith & Nephew, the global medical device company, today announces that Larry W
Papasan, President of the company's Orthopaedic operations, plans to retire at
the end of this year.  Mr Papasan, 61, will become Chairman of Smith & Nephew's
Orthopaedics Division from 1 May until his retirement and work with the new
President to ensure a smooth transition.

The new President of Smith & Nephew Orthopaedics will be Mr. David Illingworth,
48, who has wide executive experience in leading advanced medical device
companies and a strong background in global business operations, sales and
marketing.

An American, Mr Illingworth's background was initially with GE Medical Systems
in the United States and Asia, followed by senior positions in medical device
companies Nellcor Puritan Bennett and VidaMed Inc.  Until recently he was
President of XL Vision Inc., a company that created technology spin-offs.

Smith & Nephew Chief Executive Chris O'Donnell said:  'Larry Papasan has made a
major contribution to the success of our orthopaedics business, steering it to
become one of the most successful in its sector.

'David Illingworth brings strategic level experience of growing companies
globally and will provide strong leadership to our continuing development as a
major orthopaedics business.  David's experience will be a valuable asset in our
continuing commitment to drive our business in our key world markets through the
launch of high technology products and a strong and knowledgeable sales force.'

Enquiries:

Peter Hooley, Finance Director                         Tel: [phone]
Smith & Nephew plc

Margaret Stewart, Group Director, Corporate Affairs    Tel: [phone]
Smith & Nephew plc

David Yates                                            Tel: [phone]
Financial Dynamics


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