Directorate Change

Johnson Matthey PLC
03 April 2006





                  For Release at 7.00 am Monday 3rd April 2006



             Sir John Banham Appointed Chairman of Johnson Matthey





As announced on 12th December 2005, Sir John Banham joined the board of Johnson
Matthey as Chairman Designate on the1st of January 2006.



Following the retirement of Michael Miles, who has served as the company's
Chairman for eight years, Sir John has now been appointed Chairman of Johnson
Matthey with effect from the 1st of April 2006.



Commenting on Michael Miles' retirement, Sir John Banham said: "On behalf of the
Board and the employees of Johnson Matthey I would like to thank Michael Miles
for the important contribution that he has made to the success of Johnson
Matthey.  Under his leadership over the last eight years Johnson Matthey has
firmly established its position as one of the world's leading environmentally
focused companies.  Michael takes with him our very best wishes for a long and
happy retirement."



Enquiries:


Ian Godwin                         Director, IR and Corporate Communications           020 7269 8410
Howard Lee                         The HeadLand Consultancy                            020 7367 5225




www.matthey.com


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