THT Thorntons

RNS Number:4722X
Thorntons PLC
08 April 2004

                                                                    8 April 2004

                         THORNTONS PLC (the 'Company')

                             Appointment of Chairman


TheBoard of Thorntons PLC is pleased to announce the appointment of
Chris Burnett as Executive Chairman with effect from 26 April 2004, at which
date John Thornton will retire as Executive Chairman.

Chris, aged 62, is currently Chairman of Marshalls plc. During his 9 years as
Chairman, Chris led a strategic redevelopment of the company which resulted in
the creation of significant value for shareholders.

Chris will relinquish his position as Chairman of Marshalls once his successor
is identified.

His previous positions include Chairman of Lee Cooper Group, Chairman of Kunick
PLC, Chief Executive of Silentnight Holdings Plc and a Non-Executive Director of
Wolstenholme Rink plc. This followed an earlier career as a senior management
consultant with Mckinsey and Co. Inc.

John Thornton will remain on the Board as a Non-Executive Director.

John Thornton commenting on today's announcement:

"I had always planned to retire as Chairman at the age of 60 once a suitable
candidate hadbeen identified. Having reached that age I am now delighted to
announce the appointment of Chris Burnett as Chairman. His outstanding business
track record and skills will bring immense value to the Company".

Chris Burnett said:

"At the time ofannouncing my wish to step down as Chairman of Marshalls plc, I
said that I wanted to take on a fresh business challenge. Thorntons have an
outstanding brand and sound business economics. I am looking forward to working
with the board and managementteam to deliver increased value for the
shareholders".

Peter Burdon, Chief Executive, commented:

"Securing Chris Burnett as Chairman is a real coup for Thorntons. His experience
and insight will bring great strength to the development and execution of our
strategy. The rest of the Executive team and I look forward to working with
Chris to create substantial shareholder value."

For further information please contact:

John Thornton, Chairman, Thorntons PLC           07970 500444 after 10.00am

Chris Burnett, Chairman, Marshalls plc           01484 438939
Catherine Miles/Richard Oldworth, 
Buchanan Communications                          0207 466 5000


                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

END
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