Directorate Change

Provident Financial PLC
26 January 2007






                 NEW CHAIRMAN FOR PROVIDENT INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS


The Board of Provident Financial plc announces that Christopher Rodrigues is
joining the Board as a deputy chairman and Chairman of the International
Division with immediate effect.  Following the demerger of the International
Division, he will become the first Chairman of the International business when
it becomes a new public company.


Mr Rodrigues, 57, has held a number of senior roles in international
corporations in the financial services sector and has first hand demerger and
flotation experience. He is a former president and chief executive of Visa
International and was chief executive of Bradford & Bingley when it demutualised
and became a public company.  He was a founding Board member of the Financial
Services Authority, serving from 1998 to 2004.


His new role is in addition to his chairmanship of Visit Britain and his
non-executive directorship of Ladbrokes.


John van Kuffeler, Chairman of Provident Financial, said: 'Christopher's wealth
of experience in international business makes him an excellent choice as the
first Chairman of Provident Financial's International business. We are delighted
he is joining.'


Christopher Rodrigues said: 'I am joining at an exciting time. The International
Division is expanding rapidly and the demerger will enable a new focus to be
brought to a business which provides consumers with a product and service they
value.'


As previously announced, Provident Financial will give a full update on the
demerger when it presents its preliminary results for 2006 on March 7. The
demerger is planned for the spring.




Further information:
Kevin Byram/Nigel Prideaux, Brunswick                   020 7404 5959









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