RNS Number:6157H
First Technology PLC
18 February 2003


18th February 2003

                       Appointment of New Chief Executive

The Board of First Technology PLC is pleased to announce the appointment of John
Shepherd as Chief Executive. He will take up his position and join the Board on
10th March 2003.

John Shepherd is aged 49 and for the last 12 years has occupied a number of
senior posts in Smiths Group plc ("Smiths"). He is currently the Managing
Director of Smiths Detection. An electronic engineering graduate, he started at
Smiths in the Aerospace Division and has held a number of senior engineering and
project directorship positions. In 1996 he was appointed Managing Director of
the subsidiary MicroCircuit Engineering business which designs and manufactures
specialist integrated and hybrid circuit components.

In 1998, he was appointed Managing Director of Graseby Dynamics Ltd, a business
newly acquired by Smiths. Since then he has, through a balanced combination of
acquisition and organic growth, led the division to become a world leader in the
design and manufacture of detection systems for military and security
applications. During his tenure, the business has grown substantially with
operations in the UK, North America and Europe. This culminated in the launch of
the new Smiths Detection brand in the summer of last year. He was instrumental
in the successful #235m acquisition of Heimann Systems in October last year.

Prior to joining Smiths he worked for British Aerospace from 1975 to 1990,
during which time he spent 11 years in Germany.

Following John Shepherd's appointment, Dr. Fred Westlake will remain on the
Board as Chairman and for the six months of transition will, at the request of
the independent Directors and of John Shepherd, continue with some executive
duties. His service contract has been revised accordingly. After the transition
period, Dr. Westlake's remuneration will be further reduced, and the notice
period under his appointment will come into line with those of the other
Non-Executive Directors of the Company.

Patrick Burgess, senior Non-Executive Director of First Technology, commented:

"Fred Westlake has led the First Technology group for nearly 20 years, during
which period it has enjoyed an enviable record of profitable growth. The Board
is delighted that, at its request, Fred has agreed to be available to the
Company in order to draw on his knowledge and experience while John Shepherd
familiarises himself with the group's operations. We are also delighted that
thereafter, as Chairman, he will be available to support the Company's efforts
through his contacts in the trade and the Board will be able to call upon his
experience in its discussions on matters of strategy."

Fred Westlake, Executive Chairman of First Technology, commented:

"I am very pleased that John has decided to join us. His appointment comes at a
very exciting time for First Technology and I am confident that John's
experience and expertise will make a significant contribution to the further
development of our Company in the coming years. We all look forward to working
with him."

John Shepherd commented:

"I am very pleased to be joining First Technology at this stage in the company's
evolution and look forward to working with Fred and the Board to develop the
business to ensure continued profitable growth. I am delighted that Fred is
prepared to bridge the gap during the transition period and to give us his
support thereafter thus ensuring no loss of continuity."

For further information:

Lulu Bridges/Justin Griffiths
Tavistock Communications
Tel: 020 7600 2288


                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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