Announcements

RB Press release - 01/12/2003
Ken Hydon appointed Non Executive Director

Reckitt Benckiser plc (RB.L) today announced the appointment of Ken Hydon as an independent non-executive director of the Company with immediate effect.

Ken Hydon (59) is currently Financial Director of Vodafone Group Plc, the world's largest international mobile telecommunications network company, and one of the largest companies in the FTSE 100 and Eurotop 300. Vodafone has turnover of £30bn and employs more than 60,000 people worldwide. Ken joined Vodafone in 1985, having previously worked in a number of companies in the industrial, pharmaceutical and electronics industries. Ken is a British citizen.

Ken Hydon has played a significant role in the rapid growth of Vodafone into its current position with operations in 26 countries worldwide. He was also heavily involved in the acquisitions of AirTouch Communications, Mannesmann - and the consequential sale of Orange - and Japan Telecom. All of the acquisitions have been successfully integrated into the Vodafone Group under a common brand.

Adrian Bellamy, Chairman of Reckitt Benckiser plc, commented

"The Board is very pleased that Ken has agreed to join us. He will bring strong finance skills and international experience gained in one of the world's most global businesses. These skills will certainly be valuable to Reckitt Benckiser, another world leading business that has successfully integrated international businesses into a global company with a common culture. I am sure he will make a significant contribution to the future success of the Company."

For Further Information

Tom Corran
SVP Investor Relations & Corporate Communications
telephone +44 (0) 1753 217 800

Liz Richardson
Company Secretary
telephone +44 (0) 1753 217 800

Tim Spratt
Financial Dynamics
telephone +44 (0) 207 831 3113

Notes for Editors
Reckitt Benckiser is the world leader in household cleaning, excluding laundry, and has a major presence in health and personal care. The Company is truly global, with over 60 operating companies and close to 50 manufacturing facilities worldwide and has sales in 180 countries. The Company employes 23,000 people around the world. Amongst the Company's leading brands are Lysol, the world leader in disinfecting cleaning, Calgonit & Finish & Electrasol, the world leaders in automatic dishwashing, Woolite, world leader in fine fabrics, Vanish & Spray 'nWash, world leaders in fabric treatment, Veet, the world number one depilatory and Dettol the world's leading antiseptic. Reckitt Benckiser is headquartered in Slough just outside London, is listed on the London stock exchange where with a market capitalization of c.£9bn it ranks among the top 30 UK listed companies. Reckitt Benckiser had net revenues of £3.5bn, operating profit of £577m, net income of £408m and net cash flow of £576m in 2002.