Appointment of Chairman

For Immediate Release 17 June 2015

Booker Group Plc (Booker)

Appointment of Chairman

Booker is pleased to announce the appointment of Stewart Gilliland as non-executive chairman. Stewart will succeed Richard Rose who, as previously announced, is stepping down at the conclusion of the AGM to be held on 8 July 2015.

The appointment of Stewart follows a thorough selection process by the Nomination Committee of the Board, led by Lord Bilimoria, Senior Independent Director. 

Stewart joined the Board of Booker in December 2010 and is an independent non-executive director. He is currently senior independent director of Mitchells & Butlers plc and Vianet Group plc, and a non-executive director of C&C Group Plc and Sutton and East Surrey Water Plc. Stewart was formerly Chief Executive of Muller Dairies UK and Ireland and has held senior roles with leading consumer facing companies, including Whitbread and Interbrew.

Stewart Gilliland said: "It will be a privilege to chair Booker. Richard Rose has been an excellent chairman. Booker has come a long way in the past few years and Richard has done a great job of helping to build the Company and of chairing the Board. We wish him all the very best in the future."

Richard Rose, chairman of Booker, said: "Stewarts' considerable experience in both the wholesale and retail sectors is invaluable. His appointment has my full support as well as that of the Board and the senior executive team, and I wish him, Charles and the team well for continued success in the future."

ENDS

For further information contact:

Tulchan Communications (PR Adviser to Booker Group plc)

020 7353 4200

Jonathan Sibun / Will Smith

Further Information:

· In accordance with paragraph LR 9.6.13R of the listing rules, Booker confirms there is no information to be disclosed in terms of LR 9.6.13R (2) to LR 9.6.13R (6) inclusive in respect of Stewart. Details of his current and previous appointments to publicly quoted companies which are included in the notes below

· At the date of this announcement, Stewart has a beneficial interest in 50,000 ordinary shares of Booker

· Stewart is currently senior independent director of Mitchells & Butlers plc and Vianet Group plc, and a non-executive director of C&C Group Plc and Sutton and East Surrey Water Plc. He is also a director of Nature's Way Foods Ltd and Tulip International (UK) Ltd. Stewart was formerly Chief Executive of Muller Dairies UK and Ireland and has held senior roles with leading consumer facing companies, including Whitbread and Interbrew

The following statement is made pursuant to section 430(2B) of the Companies Act 2006:-

· Until 8 July Richard Rose will continue to receive fees for his services whilst a director but will not receive any other remuneration nor any payment for loss of office.