Smiths Announces Non-executive Director Changes

Smiths Group plc announces the appointment of Bill Seeger as an independent Non-executive Director and as Chairman-elect of the Audit Committee, succeeding David Challen.

Mr Seeger, who will join the Smiths Board on 12 May 2014, was most recently Group Finance Director of GKN plc, the global engineering company, which he joined in 2003. A 62-year-old US citizen, he previously held a number of senior finance posts during a 28-year career with TRW, the US-based automotive components group. Mr Seeger has a BA in Economics and an MBA, both from UCLA.

Smiths Chairman, Sir George Buckley, said: “Bill will bring valuable insight to the Board after a long and successful finance career in engineering on both sides of the Atlantic. His impressive knowledge of global markets, contracting, and strategic planning will also greatly benefit Smiths as we grow the business. I extend him the warmest of welcomes.”

As well as serving as a member of the Audit Committee before taking on the role of Committee Chairman, Mr Seeger will also be a member of the Nomination and Remuneration Committees.

Following an orderly transition of Audit Committee responsibilities to Mr Seeger, Mr Challen intends to step down as Chairman of the Audit Committee later this year, but will remain on the Board.

Other than Mr Seeger’s directorship at GKN from September 2007 to February 2014, there is no information concerning Mr Seeger which requires notification under LR 9.6.13R of the Listing Rules of the UK Listing Authority.