London Stock Exchange plc announced today that Dr Chris Gibson-Smith has been appointed as its next Chairman.

Dr Gibson-Smith is currently Chairman of National Air Traffic Services (NATS) Limited, a post he took up after being a managing director at BP plc. He is a non-executive director of Lloyds TSB Group plc and British Land plc.

He will join the Exchange Board from 1 May and will succeed the current Chairman, Don Cruickshank, when his term of office concludes at the end of the Exchange's Annual General Meeting in July.

Announcing Dr Gibson-Smith's appointment, Don Cruickshank said:

"Chris Gibson-Smith brings real depth of very relevant experience on an international stage. His insights and leadership skills will be invaluable to the Exchange. He is extremely well qualified to lead the Board, and to support the executive team led by Chief Executive Clara Furse."

Welcoming the appointment, Clara Furse said:

"I am delighted to welcome Chris Gibson-Smith to the Exchange. His international commercial experience and strategic acumen will help us to strengthen our position as the world’s most global exchange business. I am very much looking forward to working with him."

Dr Chris Gibson-Smith said:

"I am delighted to be joining the Exchange at a time when it has transformed itself into a successful company in increasingly competitive markets. The quality of its markets is internationally recognised. I look forward to working with Clara and her team to help them to realise the tremendous potential of the business in the United Kingdom, in Europe and worldwide."

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Notes To Editors

Dr Chris Gibson-Smith - Biographical Note:

Currently:

Previously:

1970 - 2001 BP plc:

Group Managing Director from 1997 - one
of five Group Managing Directors reporting to the Chief Executive, Sir John
Browne. Reporting to him were three regional directors, covering Asia and Africa.
He was responsible for seven functional teams including: Technology (Group Technology,
Engineering and Operating Strategies. Capital budget £8 - 10 billion per annum);
IT (global programmes and contracts, £1.5 billion per annum revenue and capital
spend); and Global Government Relations, HR and Public Affairs.

His early career included being Chief Operating Officer of BP Chemicals (£7 billion revenues)
and CEO of BP Exploration Europe.

2001 - 2002 Non-Executive Director, Powergen UK plc

Education:

Chris Gibson-Smith (57) is a Trustee of both the Institute for Public Policy Research, and the arts charity Arts and Business. His hobbies
include skiing, golf, music and the arts. He is married with two children.
There are no matters to be disclosed pursuant to paragraph 16.4(b) of the Listing Rules

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