Statement regarding Olivier Bohuon

Statement regarding Olivier Bohuon

1 February 2016

Smith & Nephew (LSE:SN, NYSE:SNN), the global medical technology business, announces that Olivier Bohuon, Chief Executive Officer, has been diagnosed with a highly treatable form of cancer. Olivier will remain Chief Executive Officer and be actively involved in running the Company through much of his treatment period, which will begin later this month. The treatment will include chemotherapy, and is expected to be completed by late autumn.

The Board has approved provisional governance procedures to ensure the effective operation of Smith & Nephew during the treatment period, including Chairman Roberto Quarta providing executive oversight if required.

Roberto Quarta, Chairman of Smith & Nephew, said, "Olivier has set a clear strategy that is invigorating Smith & Nephew's growth profile. I am confident that Olivier and his team will continue to execute the plan successfully. Our thoughts are with him as he undergoes treatment."

Olivier will present Smith & Nephew's Full Year and Q4 results on Thursday 4 February 2016 as normal.

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About Smith & Nephew

Smith & Nephew is a global medical technology business dedicated to helping healthcare professionals improve people's lives. With leadership positions in Orthopaedic Reconstruction, Advanced Wound Management, Sports Medicine and Trauma & Extremities, Smith & Nephew has around 14,000 employees and a presence in more than 100 countries. Annual sales in 2014 were more than $4.6 billion. Smith & Nephew is a member of the FTSE100 (LSE:SN, NYSE:SNN).

For more information about Smith & Nephew, please visit our corporate website www.smith-nephew.com, follow @SmithNephewplc on Twitter or visit SmithNephewplc on Facebook.com

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