Directorate

BARCLAYS PLC
27 July 1999

                   
               BARCLAYS PLC APPOINTS NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Barclays PLC is pleased to announce today the appointment of Matthew W Barrett
as Group Chief Executive and as a Director of Barclays PLC and of Barclays
Bank PLC, with effect from 1st October 1999.

Matt Barrett joins Barclays from Bank of Montreal where he was Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer.  He joined the Bank of Montreal in 1962 and during
his career held a variety of senior management positions in Retail Banking,
International Banking and Treasury.  He was appointed Chief Operating Officer
in 1987.  He has been an outside director of The Seagram Company Limited since
1995 and of The Molson Companies Limited since 1992.

In February this year, he announced his intention to leave the bank following
a decade as Chairman and CEO. To ensure an orderly transition, he stepped down
as CEO but remained as Chairman until a complete hand-over was made. 

Sir Peter Middleton, Barclays Group Chairman said, 'Matt is an experienced CEO
with a track record of delivering strong performance in a complex
multinational financial services company operating in a highly competitive
environment. He expanded the bank's operations globally and established a
culture of innovation, customer service, and strong employee development. 
During his time as Chairman and CEO, Bank of Montreal became one of the most
successful banks in North America. We are delighted that he will be leading
the Barclays Group into the new millennium.'

Matt Barrett commented, 'I am very excited by the opportunity of leading
Barclays, one of the world's most prominent financial institutions.  Together
with the Board, a dynamic management team and an experienced workforce, I am
confident that we will build on Barclays strong brand and reputation in the
market place.'  

Sir Peter will step down as Group Chief Executive, continuing in his role as
Group Chairman, when Matt Barrett joins Barclays.


Note:  There are no further details required to be disclosed pursuant to
paragraph 6.F.2 of the London Stock Exchange Listing Rules.


For further information, please contact:

Leigh Bruce
Corporate Communications
Barclays PLC
Tel: [phone]      

Maria Darby
Group Media Relations
Barclays PLC
Tel: [phone]      

Ian Roundell
Investor Relations
Barclays PLC
Tel: [phone]