14 August 2015

    Premier Farnell plc

    Directorate change

    Premier Farnell plc ("the Group"), a global leader in the high service
    distribution of technology products and solutions, announces the appointment of
    Mark Whiteling as Interim Chief Executive Officer.  Mark was previously Chief
    Financial Officer ("CFO") of the Group.  Laurence Bain steps down as Chief
    Executive Officer ("CEO") with immediate effect. 

    A search process to identify a CEO has been initiated, which will evaluate both
    internal and external candidates.  Following Mark's appointment as Interim CEO,
    his CFO responsibilities have been transferred to a team led by Steven Webb,
    General Counsel and Company Secretary.

    The Group will announce its Half Year Results on 17 September 2015 at which
    time it will also provide an update on the review of the Group's operations
    announced in its trading update of 29 July 2015.

    Val Gooding, Chairman of Premier Farnell, said:

    "Laurence has been a director of the Company since 2003 and Chief Executive for
    the last three years.  During his time as CEO Laurence has led the Company's
    transformation to a web-based business, developed a global operating model and
    management structure, and introduced an innovative and differentiating
    strategy.

    "However, whilst these initiatives provide a solid platform for the future, the
    Company's recent results have been disappointing and the Board has concluded
    that the time is right for a change of leadership.

    "On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Laurence for his commitment and
    dedication to Premier Farnell and we wish him every success for the future."

    For further information, contact:

    FTI Consulting                                   +44 (0) 20 3727 1374       
                                                                                
    Richard Mountain