Smiths Announces Non-executive Director Changes

Smiths Group plc announces the appointment of Tanya Fratto as a non-executive Director and the retirement of Stuart Chambers from the Board, both effective from 1 July, 2012. Ms. Fratto, will also serve on the Board’s Audit, Nomination and Remuneration Committees.

A US citizen, Ms Fratto will provide Smiths with wide experience in product innovation and sales and marketing in a range of sectors. She was CEO of Diamond Innovations Inc., a world-leading manufacturer of super-abrasive products for the material removal industry, for seven years to 2010. Previously, she pursued a successful 20-year career with GE, working in a number of senior roles.

Ms. Fratto has a BSc in Electrical Engineering. She is a non-executive Director of Boart Longyear Ltd, a company based in Salt Lake City, Utah which provides mineral exploration drilling services and drilling products and is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange.

Mr. Chambers, recently appointed Chairman of Rexam plc, will be succeeded as Chair of the Remuneration Committee by Anne Quinn, a non-executive Director of Smiths since July 2009.

Smiths Chairman Donald Brydon said: "I am delighted to welcome Tanya to the Board. She brings us valuable skills and experience, particularly of operating in the US and in taking new products to market worldwide. I am grateful to Stuart for the expertise and commitment he has dedicated to the Company since his appointment six years ago."

Aside from her present directorship of Boart Longyear Ltd, there is no other information concerning Ms. Fratto which requires notification under LR 9.6.13 R of the Listing Rules of the UK Listing Authority.