RNS Number:5099S
UCM Group PLC
26 November 2003



Embargoed until 12.00pm
Wednesday, 26 November 2003

                                  UCM Group PLC

                                BOARD APPOINTMENT

UCM Group PLC, the leading provider of speciality fused minerals, announces that
it has agreed to appoint Mr Jamie Brundell to the Board as Chief Executive,
effective from 1 February 2004. Bob Hughes, who has been Chief Executive since
January 1993, has decided to retire but will continue as an Executive Director
until his retirement in June 2005.

Mr Brundell, aged 56, has extensive experience within the sector and is
currently Group Chief Executive of Monocon Holdings Limited, a leading group in
refractory/engineering technology products. From 1974 to 1998 he held a number
of senior positions within Hinckley Group, a manufacturer of refractory
products, culminating as Chief Executive before its acquisition by the Cookson
Group. Following the acquisition he became Managing Director of Global
Monolithics, part of Cookson Vesuvius' ceramics division until his resignation
in 2000, after which he joined Monocon.

Mr Brundell has considerable international business experience including Europe,
the Middle East, North and South America, Far East, South Africa, Scandinavia
and Russia.

John Gordon, UCM Chairman, said, "I am pleased to announce the appointment of
Jamie, who will bring a wealth of experience, both in the UK and overseas, to
the Group. He has an excellent track record and we look forward to working with
him to progress the continued development of UCM."

There are no further details to disclose for the purpose of Rule 16.4 (b).

                                    - ends - 


Enquiries:

UCM Group PLC

John Gordon, Chairman                             020 7495 6427
Bob Hughes, Chief Executive                        01785 223122
Melvyn Fookes, Group Finance Director

Weber Shandwick Square Mile                                      

Terry Garrett or Alex White or Rachel Taylor      020 7067 0700




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