Next plc

Date:               For immediate release, 14 February, 2017

Contacts:        Lord Wolfson, Chief Executive

                        Next plc                                              Tel: 0333 777 8888

Alistair Mackinnon-Musson                 email: next@rowbellpr.com

Rowbell PR                                        Tel: 020 7717 5239

DIRECTORATE CHANGE

Retirement of Chairman

Next plc ("NEXT" or "the Company") announces that John Barton has given notice to the Board of his intention to retire as non-executive Chairman and step down from the Board of NEXT on 1 August 2017.

John Barton, age 72, became a member of the Board in 2002. He was appointed Deputy Chairman in 2004 and Chairman in 2006. John has made an outstanding contribution to the Company over the last fifteen years and his leadership, experience and wise counsel have been tremendously valuable over that time. John leaves with the profound thanks of his colleagues.

Non-Executive Director and Deputy Chairman Appointment

The Nomination Committee, under the leadership of Senior Independent Director Francis Salway, conducted a thorough search for a successor and NEXT is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Roney as an independent non-executive director, Deputy Chairman and Chairman Designate with effect from 14 February 2017. Michael will succeed John Barton as Chairman when he retires on 1 August 2017. 

Michael Roney, age 62, has extensive business experience. He was Chief Executive of Bunzl plc, a FTSE 100 listed distribution and outsourcing business, from 2005 until his retirement in April 2016. He is currently Chairman of Grafton Group plc and a non-executive director of Brown-Forman Corporation. Michael was also formerly a non-executive director of Johnson Matthey Plc. 

The Company confirms that no other disclosures need to be made under Listing Rule 9.6.13 in respect of this appointment.

Seonna Anderson

Company Secretary