Appointment of a new Chairman and non-executive Director

Howdens announces that, having served as non-executive Chairman of the Company since 2006, Will Samuel will step down from the board with effect from the close of the Annual General Meeting in May 2016. Richard Pennycook, who has been a non-executive Director of Howdens since September 2013, will assume the role of non-executive Chairman from that date. Prior to becoming non-executive Chairman, Richard will remain as Chairman of the Audit Committee.

The Company is also pleased to announce the appointment of Andrew Cripps as an independent non-executive Director with immediate effect. Upon appointment he will be a member of the Audit, Remuneration and Nomination Committees. Andrew will take over as Chairman of the Audit Committee from Richard Pennycook following the 2016 Annual General Meeting.

Richard Pennycook is currently Chief Executive Officer of the Co-operative Group, Senior Independent Director and Chairman of the Audit Committee of Persimmon plc and non-executive Chairman of The Hut Group Limited. During the past five years, he has also held directorships at WM Morrison Supermarkets Plc, and Thomas Cook Group Plc.

Andrew Cripps is currently non-executive Director and Chairman of the Audit Committee of Booker Group Plc, Senior Independent Director and Chairman of the Audit Committee of Stock Spirits Group Plc and non-executive Deputy Chairman of Swedish Match AB. He is also Senior Independent Director and Chairman of the Audit Committee of Boparan Holdings Limited. During the past five years, he has also held directorships at Redde Plc and Molins Plc.

There is no further information which is required to be disclosed in accordance with 9.6.13R of the Listing Rules.