John Barton Appointed Non-executive Director

Smith (W.H.) Group PLC
30 November 1999



BOARD APPOINTMENT

WH Smith Group PLC today (30 November) announced the appointment of
John Barton as a non-executive director of the Group with immediate
effect.

John Barton (55) is Chairman of the Jardine Lloyd Thompson Group
Plc.  A chartered accountant, he has an MBA from Strathclyde
University.

He is a non-executive director of Hammerson Plc and of BNB Resources
Plc.

WH Smith's Chairman, Martin Taylor, said:  'John Barton has a wide
range of experience at senior levels within leading companies.  I am
delighted that he is joining our Board.'


Enquiries:

Tim Blythe                         WH Smith Group PLC       0171 514 9623
Director of Corporate Affairs