9th Sep 2005 09:00
Smiths Group PLC09 September 2005 News ReleaseLondon, 9. September, 2005For immediate release SMITHS GROUP FINANCE DIRECTOR SUCCESSION ANNOUNCED Smiths Group plc today issues the following announcement clarifying thepositions of two executive directors who are due to retire during the next 18months: Alan Thomson, who joined Smiths as Finance Director in 1995, will retire asplanned at age 60 in September 2006. He will be succeeded at that time by JohnLangston, currently Group Managing Director, Specialty Engineering. Mr Langstonis a chartered accountant and held senior financial posts in the manufacturingindustry before moving into general management. Mr Thomson has agreed to stay with the company in a consulting capacity for upto one year after his retirement. John Ferrie, Group Managing Director, Aerospace, has agreed to continue in thatrole for one further year beyond his planned retirement date in January 2007.This will allow him to continue his involvement with a number of importantaerospace programmes that are approaching completion in the period ahead. Keith Butler-Wheelhouse, Chief Executive of Smiths Group, said: "The company's programme of phased succession began last year with StephenPhipson's appointment as Group Managing Director, Detection. The searchcurrently under way for the next Group Managing Director, Medical is progressingwell. This announcement sets out the next steps in the succession process. I am particularly pleased that, for the key role of Finance Director, we havebeen able to identify an internal candidate of the quality and experience ofJohn Langston. I am also pleased that we will continue to have access to AlanThomson during a consultancy period; this will allow a seamless transfer to Johnafter Alan's distinguished service as Financial Director is complete." Smiths Group designs and manufactures safety critical systems and products andhas market-leading positions in aerospace systems, detection systems, medicaldevices, mechanical seals and interconnect products. For more information, visitwww.smiths-group.com - Ends - Contacts Media Chris Fox +44 (0)20 8457 8403 Investor Relations Russell Plumley +44 (0)20 8457 8203 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
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