Appointment

Gooch & Housego PLC
19 December 2001


                                                       19 December 2001


                              GOOCH & HOUSEGO PLC

                    APPOINTMENT OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER


Gooch & Housego PLC is pleased to announce the main board appointment of Ian
Davidson as its Chief Executive Officer as from 7th January 2002.


Ian Davidson is  a 47 year old executive with over 30 years experience in the
manufacturing sector. Having qualified as a Materials engineer he has held a
number of management posts in Quality, Engineering, Production and Operations.
The range of industries covered by his term  included Hydraulics, Defence
Electronics , Commercial Electronics, Optics and Telecommunications.

In recent years he has been employed as Managing Director of OCLI Optical
Coatings a subsidiary of JDS Uniphase. As managing Director he was responsible
for the development of its European Strategic Business Plans .  In this
position he controlled a European Sales and Marketing group inclusive of Sales
Offices in the UK , France and Germany. In addition he had full profit
responsibility for two manufacturing facilities in Germany and the company's
primary site in Scotland. Over a five year period sales increased 250% and
manufacturing productivity by 50% resulting in enhanced sector performance for
the companies European Operations.

Ian's management philosophy can be summarised in his following statement :

'I understand the importance of creating a vision through strategic planning
and ensuring competent organisational models are in place to ensure tactical
conversion. Establishment of focus, accountability for deliverables and
results orientation are core principles that drive my management style. Behind
these core principle are strong ethical fundamentals  which are critical to
organisational development. In order to delivering growth, it is people in the
end that will make the difference therefore inspiring and motivating lie at
the heart of leadership and will be the catalyst for success.'




Archie Gooch / Ian Bayer                                            01460 52271
Gooch & Housego PLC

Tim Thompson                                                      020 7466 5000
Buchanan Communications