Non-Executive Director

Smith WH PLC
28 March 2002


Press release

Thursday 28th March

                              BOARD APPOINTMENT


WH Smith PLC today announces the appointment of MT Rainey as a non-executive
director of the Company with immediate effect.

MT Rainey is Joint Chief Executive of Rainey Kelly Campbell Roalfe/Y&R one of
the UK's largest advertising agencies and a subsidiary of WPP.  MT is also a
trustee of the Demos think tank; a visiting Professor at the University of
Glasgow Business School and a frequent speaker and publisher on communications
issues in the UK and abroad.

WH Smith's Chairman, Martin Taylor, said: 'MT Rainey has a wide range of skills
and experience gained from working in the media and has a reputation for
enterprising and award winning work.  I am delighted that she is joining our
Board'.


                                  -Ends-

Enquiries:

Timothy Grey                     Brunswick                       020 7404 5959
Katya Reynier


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