New Argos Managing Director

1 February 2012

Home Retail Group plc

New Argos Managing Director

Home Retail Group has announced the appointment of John Walden as the Managing Director for Argos, the UK's leading multi-channel retailer. John, who has had a successful career in multi-channel retailing and technology businesses in the US, will take up his new role by the end of February 2012.

John's retail career began in the mid 1990's when he was Chief Operating Officer for Peapod, a pioneer of online supermarket retailing. From 1999 to 2007 he was with Best Buy Co., Inc., where he was Executive Vice President and a member of the executive committee. During his time there he held a range of responsibilities which included the internet and direct channels division and customer centric strategy. Subsequently, he was Executive Vice President at Sears, which included Sears Roebuck, Kmart and Land's End, where he led the internet, catalogue and home services divisions, along with marketing, merchandising and new concept development.

Terry Duddy, Home Retail Group Chief Executive commented:

"I am delighted John is joining the team; he brings with him a wealth of multi-channel retail and technology related business experience at senior levels within a range of both large retail organisations and smaller entrepreneurial enterprises. We look forward to John bringing a valuable, fresh perspective to the future development of Argos."

Enquiries

Analysts and investors (Home Retail Group)

Richard Ashton Finance Director 01908 600291

Don Davis Director of Investor Relations

Media

Chris Wermann Director of Corporate Affairs 01908 296334

Rollo Head RLM Finsbury 020 7251 3801

Editor's notes:

John Walden CV

Activeion Clean Technologies 2010 - 2011

·; CEO

Inversion 2008 - 2010

·; President & CEO

Sears Holdings 2007 - 2008

·; EVP, Chief Customer Officer

Best Buy Co., Inc. 1999 - 2007

·; EVP, Customer Business Group

·; EVP, Human Capital and Leadership

·; President, Internet and Direct Channels Division

Peapod 1995 - 1999

·; Chief Operating Officer

Ameritech Corporation 1990 - 1995

·; Director, Media Ventures

Sidley Austin 1985 - 1990

·; Corporate and Securities Associate