The Board of SSL International plc, the global manufacturer and distributor of premium healthcare products, is pleased to announce that it has appointed Bernd Beetz as a non-executive director with immediate effect.

Mr. Beetz, age 50, has spent much of his working life in senior marketing and general management positions with Procter & Gamble in Europe, leaving that company in 1999 after five years as Regional Vice President for the Tissue, Towel and Cotton Products business. He is currently President of Parfums Christian Dior.

Commenting on the appointment, Stuart Wallis, Chairman of SSL, said 'The Board is very pleased to welcome Bernd Beetz to SSL. His extensive experience of brand management within global businesses will strengthen the skills base on the SSL board.'

Additionally, Roger Thomas has informed the Board that he intends to resign as a non-executive director after the AGM in July 2001 to pursue other business interests. In line with the Group's policy of reviewing its non-executive directors annually, Rod Sellers' term will be renewed for a further 12 months from the beginning of August 2001, as will the terms of Alain Strasser and Tim Howden subject to election and re-election respectively by shareholders at the AGM.

The Group's search for a new Chairman following the expiration of Stuart Wallis' contract is progressing well. As previously announced, Nick Hodges will also resign in July, subject to the successful recruitment of the new Chairman.

Full details of all directors will be given in the Report & Accounts, which is due to be published in June 2001.

For further information, please contact:

Stuart Wallis (Chairman) 020 7426 4680