Released: 09/05/2002

David Wellings, who is the senior independent non-executive director and Chairman of the Remuneration and Nomination Committees, is to stand down at Signet's annual general meeting on 13 June 2002. He joined the Board in August 1992.

James McAdam, Chairman, commented, "David Wellings has played a very significant role in the successful transformation of the business during the past ten years. On behalf of the Board I thank him for his invaluable contribution and wish him a long and happy retirement."

Enquiries:	James McAdam, Chairman	+44 (0) 20 7399 9520
	Mike Smith, Brunswick	+44 (0) 20 7404 5959
	Rupert Young, Brunswick	+44 (0) 20 7404 5959

Signet operated 1,639 speciality retail jewellery stores at 4 May 2002; these included 1,035 stores in the US, where the Group trades as "Kay Jewelers", "Jared The Galleria Of Jewelry" and under a number of regional names. At that date Signet operated 604 stores in the UK, where the Group trades as "H.Samuel", "Ernest Jones" and "Leslie Davis". Further information on Signet is available at www.signetgroupplc.com.