Directorate Change

Wincanton PLC
09 October 2002

Wednesday 9th October 2002





                                 Wincanton plc

                              New Chief Executive



Wincanton announces that Chas Lawrence is stepping down as Chief Executive, with
immediate effect, for reasons of family ill health. Paul Bateman has been
appointed as the new Chief Executive and has joined the Board with effect from
today.

Wincanton will be announcing its interim results, as planned, on 6th November
2002.  These results will indicate that, as stated at the AGM in July this year,
the Board remains confident that Wincanton will achieve further good progress in
the current financial year.

Victor Benjamin, Chairman of Wincanton said:

'Chas Lawrence is stepping down with our gratitude for his tremendous
contribution to the company over many years.  We understand the reasons for his
departure, and wish him and his family well at this time.

We are pleased to welcome Paul Bateman as the new Chief Executive of Wincanton
plc.  Paul brings a strong operational and strategic track record in both the
manufacturing and retail sectors and a great depth of domestic and international
supply chain experience.'


Paul Bateman, Chief Executive of Wincanton said:

'I have known and respected Wincanton over many years and now look forward to
the challenge of leading the company through the next stage of its development.'



For further information contact:

Wincanton

Investor Enquiries
Victor Benjamin, Chairman:                                         020 7760 1000
Gerard Connell, Group Finance Director                             01963 828210

Media Enquiries
Charles Carr, Director of Marketing & Communications: 9th October     020 7466500
                                                      Thereafter      01963 828212
                                                      Mobile          [phone]

Buchanan Communications
Charles Ryland/Jeremy Garcia                                       020 7466 5000


Notes to editors:

Paul Bateman, aged 59, has extensive experience of the logistics industry and a
strong operational and strategic track record in both the manufacturing and
retail sectors.  His experience covers the full range of supply chain
management, both in the UK and in other geographic markets such as Continental
Europe and the Far East.

His early career was spent with Philips Industries in freight forwarding, with
responsibility for both inbound and outbound air and sea movements for the
Southern area.  He subsequently assumed responsibility for several of Philips'
largest Distribution Centres.

In 1984 after 24 years with Philips he moved to Tesco to become a Division
Director.  In his 17 years there he played a leading role both in operations and
strategic development, successfully re-engineering the food supply chain and
directing initiatives such as automated distribution centres, recycling centres,
and the development of fuel operations.

Paul held the position of Distribution Operations Director for 14 years, and was
also Managing Director of their logistics company, which provided distribution
services to all stores in the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

Most recently Paul became Distribution Strategy Director, supporting the plans
to develop business overseas, principally in Central Europe and the Far East.

Paul was a National Executive Board member of the FTA for three years up until
May 2001 and has also undertaken consultancy work for the Government.

Paul Bateman has an interest in 8,000 Wincanton ordinary shares. There are no
matters which are required to be disclosed under paragraph 6.F.2(b) to (g) of
the Listing Rules.






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