Reed Elsevier Board Changes

Reed International PLC
Elsevier N.V.
16 November 1999

Issued on behalf of Reed International P.L.C. and Elsevier NV

11/99
                                                          16 November 1999

REED ELSEVIER BOARD CHANGES

Reed Elsevier announced today that Herman Spruijt will retire from the
Executive Board of Elsevier NV and as a director of Reed Elsevier plc on 15th
November 1999; and Derk Haank, Chief Executive Officer of Elsevier Science,
will be appointed an executive director of Reed International P.L.C. and Reed
Elsevier plc with effect from 15th November 1999 and, subject to shareholders'
approval, as a member of the Executive Board of Elsevier NV following its
Annual General Meeting next year.