Appointment Deputy Chairman

Smith & Nephew Plc
03 February 2005



Smith & Nephew Announces Deputy Chairman


3 February 2005


Smith & Nephew today announces the appointment of John Buchanan as a
non-executive director and Deputy Chairman of Smith & Nephew plc.  Mr Buchanan,
formerly Group Chief Financial Officer of BP p.l.c., is a non-executive director
of Vodafone Group Plc, AstraZeneca PLC and BHP Billiton.  He was a member of the
United Kingdom Accounting Standards Board from 1997 to 2001 and a non-executive
director of Boots Group PLC from 1997 to 2003.

Dudley Eustace, Chairman, commenting on the appointment, said; 'We value John's
experience of global businesses and his international outlook.  We believe he
will make a strong contribution to the Board and business of Smith & Nephew.  On
behalf of the Board I welcome John to Smith & Nephew and look forward to working
with him.'

There are no details relating to the appointment of John Buchanan that are
required to be disclosed pursuant to paragraph 6.F.2 (b-g) of the Listing Rules
of the UK Listing Authority.


Enquiries


Dudley Eustace                                         Tel: [phone]
Chairman

Chris O'Donnell                                        Tel: [phone]
Chief Executive Officer


Investors/Media
Liz Hewitt                                             Tel: [phone]
Smith & Nephew Group Director Corporate Affairs


About us



Smith & Nephew is a global medical technology business, specialising in
Orthopaedics, Endoscopy and Advanced Wound Management products.  Smith & Nephew
is a global leader in arthroscopy and advanced wound management and is one of
the fastest growing global orthopaedics companies.



Smith & Nephew is dedicated to helping improve people's lives.  The company
prides itself on the strength of its relationships with its surgeons and
professional healthcare customers, with whom its name is synonymous with high
standards of performance, innovation and trust.  The company has over 8,000
employees and operates in 32 countries around the world generating annual sales
of £1.25 billion.




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