Smiths Detection President Named

Smiths Group plc today announces the appointment of Mal Maginnis as President of Smiths Detection. He succeeds Stephen Phipson who stepped down earlier this year. Mal Maginnis is currently Vice President of the division's Business Management Group and he will fully take up his new role on 1 January 2012. In the interim he will focus on continuing to drive the operational improvements currently under way across Smiths Detection and take immediate responsibility for Operations, Sales and Finance, before taking on the full role in January. He will work closely with Group Chief Executive Philip Bowman, who will continue to oversee the division's activities during the transition period.

The appointment is the conclusion of an extensive internal and external recruitment search. Maginnis joined Smiths Detection 10 years ago following a 21-year career in the Australian Army.  He has held a number of senior roles including head of the Program, Product and Technology groups, President of Asia Pacific region and President of the Global Military and Emergency Responder unit.

Philip Bowman said: "Mal's wide experience of the security industry, particularly in emerging markets, and in-depth knowledge of the Company make him the ideal choice and will prove invaluable as we continue to address the operational priorities of increasing profitability and improving competitiveness."