Board Appointment

Smith WH PLC
25 July 2005


                                                                    25 July 2005

                                  WH SMITH PLC                                        
                                        
                                BOARD APPOINTMENT
                                        
                             NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR


WH Smith PLC today announces the appointment of Luke Mayhew as a non-executive
director with immediate effect.

From 2000 to December 2004, Luke Mayhew was Managing Director of John Lewis.
Prior to this, from 1992 to 2000, he was Development Director of the John Lewis
Partnership, which is made up of 27 John Lewis department stores, 166 Waitrose
supermarkets and its Direct and textile manufacturing businesses. Luke Mayhew
previously spent 12 years in senior positions at Thomas Cook and British
Airways, as well as being Chief Executive of Shandwick's European business.

WHSmith's Chairman, Robert Walker said: 'We are delighted to welcome Luke Mayhew
to the Board. With his extensive retail and services experience, Luke will be a
great asset to the Company as we implement our turnaround plans for the Group.'


                                     -Ends-

Enquiries:

WH Smith PLC

Louise Evans                                      020 7851 8850


Brunswick

Pam Small                                         020 7404 5959
Charlotte Kenyon



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