The Board of SSL International plc and Brian Buchan, Chief Executive, announce he will step down at the beginning of the new Financial Year on April 1 st 2004 .

On his departure Garry Watts, currently Managing Director of the Group's European Operations and Group Finance Director, will be appointed Chief Executive.

An announcement regarding Garry Watts' replacement as Finance Director will be made in due course.

Commenting on today's announcements, Ian Martin, Chairman, said:

“On behalf of the Board, I would like to pay tribute to Brian Buchan for his selfless contribution to the company through an extremely difficult period. He will leave SSL in a far better position than when he joined it and we wish him well in the future.

I am delighted that Garry Watts has agreed to become Chief Executive. Our restructuring programme remains on track as set out in the Trading Update issued on 12 th March 2004 .”

Brian Buchan added:

“I have enjoyed three challenging years and as the company completes its restructuring, it is a good time for me to move on. I wish Garry every success for the future.”

For further information, please contact:

SSL International plc
020 7367 5760

Ian Martin , Chairman


Jan Young, Head of Investor Relations


The Maitland Consultancy
020 7379 5151

William Clutterbuck