Kate Swann Appointment Date

Smith WH PLC
30 September 2003



                                                               30 September 2003



                                  WH SMITH PLC

                 APPOINTMENT DATE FOR NEW GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE


Following our announcement of the appointment of Kate Swann as Group Chief
Executive on 4 July 2003, WHSmith is pleased to announce that Kate will join the
Company on 1 November 2003.


Kate will replace Richard Handover as Group Chief Executive at the meeting of
the WHSmith Board on 4 November 2003, at which meeting the Group's current
Chairman, Martin Taylor, will step down and be replaced by Richard Handover, as
previously announced.



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Enquiries:



WH Smith PLC


Louise Evans     Media Relations       020 7514 9624
Mark Boyle       Investors Relations   020 7514 9630


Brunswick

Timothy Grey                           020 7404 5959






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