CWD.L Regulatory News (CWD)

Countrywide plc

20 May 2014

Directorate Change

BOARD CHANGES

The Board of Countrywide plc ("Countrywide") is pleased to announce that Alison Platt C.M.G. has been appointed as Group Chief Executive, effective from 1 September 2014, subject to the approval of the Financial Conduct Authority.

With effect from that date, Grenville Turner, current Group Chief Executive will become Non-executive Chairman and David Watson will become Deputy Chairman and Senior Independent Director.

The Board are delighted that Alison has agreed to join Countrywide at this exciting stage of its development. Alison joins from Bupa where she has spent more than twenty years in a range of senior roles, including Managing Director of its UK, Europe and North America Division. Most recently Alison was Managing Director of Bupa's International Development Markets business where she grew revenues to over £1bn and led more than 11,000 people serving circa 9 million customers in a wide range of markets and businesses. As such she brings a wealth of relevant business experience in leading and motivating diverse teams to grow revenues and profits through intense focus on the customer to create first class service and market leading products.

Commenting on her appointment, Alison said "I am excited to be joining such an ambitious company as Countrywide and becoming part of the talented team that helps more people than anyone else in the UK move home. I am looking forward to working with our award winning employees to provide a first class service to all our customers and helping the Group become even more successful. I firmly believe that there are significant opportunities available for Countrywide as an integrated player to further strengthen its business and performance through the recovery of the UK property market. I look forward to helping navigate the Group through this exciting period of growth for the benefit of our customers, employees and shareholders."

Commenting on the changes to the Board, Grenville Turner said "I am delighted to be welcoming Alison to the Group and to be handing over responsibility to such a proven and energetic individual. In assuming the role of Non-executive Chairman I look forward to continuing to work with the Board and supporting the new Group Chief Executive through the next chapter of the Group's journey."

Notes:

1. The Countrywide Group contains several authorised firms that are subject to the regulation of the Financial Conduct Authority. Alison Platt's appointment is subject to the approval of her application to perform controlled functions under the approved persons regime in respect of those authorised firms by the Financial Conduct Authority.

2. From 1 September 2014, in addition to his role as Deputy Chairman and Senior Independent Director, David Watson will continue to be a member of the Group's Audit & Risk Committee, Nomination Committee and Remuneration Committee. As Non-executive Chairman, Grenville Turner will become Chairman of the Group's Nomination Committee.

3. Alison Platt is currently a non-executive director of Cable & Wireless Communications plc, which is listed on the London Stock Exchange. There is no other information to be disclosed under LR 9.6.13R of the UKLA Listing Rules in respect of the appointment of Alison Platt.