Directorate Change

Smiths Group PLC
26 September 2007

Smiths Group appoints Philip Bowman as Chief Executive
from 10 December 2007

Smiths Group plc announces that Philip Bowman is appointed Chief Executive with
effect from 10 December 2007. He will join the Board on that date. Keith
Butler-Wheelhouse, who has been Chief Executive since November 1996, will retire
on that date.

Donald Brydon, Chairman, Smiths Group, said: 'I am delighted that Smiths has
attracted such an able Chief Executive as Philip Bowman. Philip has previously
led two FTSE100 companies and it is clear that he has the vision to take Smiths
to the next phase in its development. After a full search, the Board concluded
that Philip is the best possible candidate to build and grow the Group for the
future.

'Keith Butler-Wheelhouse continues as Chief Executive until December, by which
time he will have served Smiths in that role for 11 years. In that time he has
presided over a transformation of the business to one that has world leading
market positions and excellent prospects. For this he has my, and the Board's,
gratitude.'

Philip Bowman said: 'I look forward enormously to joining a great British
Multinational company and leading a team that has an enviable reputation for
transforming cutting edge research into world leading products. I relish the
challenge to build on this capability and deliver the next stage of the
company's development in the growing global markets that it serves.'



ENDS

About Smiths Group

Smiths is a global technology company listed on the London Stock Exchange.  A
world leader in the practical application of advanced technologies, Smiths Group
delivers products and services for the threat & contraband detection, medical
devices, energy and communications markets worldwide.  Our products and services
make the world safer, healthier and more productive.  Smiths Group employs more
than 20,000 people in over 50 countries. For more information visit
www.smiths.com





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