Board Appointment

Smith WH PLC
02 September 2003

                                                                2 September 2003



                                  WH Smith PLC

                               Board Appointment


WH Smith PLC today announces the appointment of Andrew Rolfe as a non-executive
director of the Company with immediate effect.

Andrew Rolfe was most recently the Chairman and Chief Executive of the food
retailer Pret A Manger. At Pret A Manger he oversaw the transformation of the
business from a primarily London based business to an international operation
with over 150 outlets.  Prior to this, Andrew was a main board director for
Booker PLC, with direct responsibility for Booker's Food Service Division.

Martin Taylor, Chairman of WH Smith PLC said:

 'I am delighted to welcome Andrew to our Board. Andrew has a wide range of
skills and experience gained from working across retail environments.  This
background will be particularly valuable to us as we continue to develop the
businesses of the WH Smith Group.'



                                     -Ends-


Enquiries:

WH Smith PLC
Louise Evans          Media Relations                              020 7514 9624


Brunswick
Timothy Grey                                                       020 7404 5959




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