Mr. Hodgkinson has been Chief Executive of BAA plc since 1999, and announced in February his intention to retire in June. He is also a non-executive director of FKI plc, and has been a non-executive director of Royal Mail Holdings plc since 1 January 2003. Announcing the appointment, The Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, Patricia Hewitt said:

"Mike Hodgkinson will be the latest addition to a new, dynamic leadership team at Royal Mail. He will work closely with Allan Leighton and David Mills to secure success for the Post Office Network.

Mike Hodgkinson has a wealth of experience at the very highest level and Royal Mail will undoubtedly benefit from the range of skills he will bring to the job."

Notes to Editors:

1. Mr. Hodgkinson (58), has been a member of the BAA plc board for 11 years, and was appointed Chief Executive in October 1999. He is also a Board member of the Commission for Integrated Transport, a director of FKI plc, and his other positions include the chairmanship of the Airports Advisory Council and membership of the Transport for London Committee. He announced in early February that he would be stepping down as Chief Executive of BAA plc in June 2003. 3. The appointment is for an initial term to the end of 2005, with fees of £37,500 per annum plus any appropriate allowances. This will be in addition to the £30,000 he already receives as a non-executive board member.

4. This appointment has been made in accordance with the guidelines of the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments. Mr. Hodgkinson has not been involved in any political activity in the last five years.