Re Directorate

Smith WH PLC
5 July 2001

 
WH Smith PLC announcement of Board change

WH  Smith  PLC  today  announces  that Lloyd Wigglesworth,  Managing  Director
WHSmith  News,  will leave the Group upon completion of the  sale  of  WHSmith
News.   Accordingly, as the sale process is well advanced, it has been  agreed
that he will cease active duties as the Managing Director of WHSmith News with
immediate effect.

Chief Executive, Richard Handover, said:

  'Lloyd joined WHSmith News and the Board in April 1998 and since then he has
been  responsible for overseeing and driving the development of that  business
during a particularly critical and difficult time in its history. I would like
to  thank  him  for his contribution to the Group and wish him  well  for  the
future.

'Andy   Forrester,  Finance  Director  WHSmith  News,  will   assume   interim
responsibility for the business.'

Enquiries:                                  

WH Smith PLC                                
Richard Manhire, Investor Relations         020 7514 9686
Louise Evans, Media Relations               020 7514 9624

Brunswick                                   
Philippa Power                              020 7404 5959