Rolls-Royce Names Benet Wilson Senior Manager, Corporate Communications

CHANTILLY, Va., Dec. 2, 2002; Rolls-Royce announced today the appointment of Benet Wilson as Senior Manager, Corporate Communications, Rolls-Royce North America, Inc. In this position, she is responsible for directing all communications activities for the company's Civil Aerospace business in North America.

Wilson joins Rolls-Royce with more than a decade of experience in the civil aerospace industry. Most recently, she served as Director of Corporate Communications for Mesa Air Group, Phoenix, AZ. Prior to that, she served for eight years as the editor of Commuter/Regional Airline News, a respected trade newsletter published by Washington, D.C.-based PBI Media LLC. Wilson also has 16 years' experience as a working journalist, predominantly in aerospace.

Mia Walton, Vice President, Corporate Communications, Rolls-Royce North America, said: "We are delighted that Benet has joined Rolls-Royce and are certain her expert knowledge of this industry and her proven communications skills will be a great asset to the company."

Wilson reports directly to Walton at Rolls-Royce North America headquarters in Chantilly, VA. She replaces Leslie Wilder, who is leaving the company mid-month to pursue opportunities outside the aerospace industry.

Wilson holds a B.A. in journalism from The American University, Washington, D.C. Her Civil Aerospace affiliations and interests include the Society of Aerospace Communicators; Women in Aviation International; Aero Club of Washington; and International Aviation Club.

Rolls-Royce plc operates in four growth markets -- civil aerospace, defence aerospace, marine and energy. It is a global company investing in technology and capability that can be exploited in each of these sectors to create a competitive range of products.

The success of these products is demonstrated by the company's rapid and substantial gains in market share over recent years. As a result, engine deliveries have grown to a total of 54,000 gas turbines in service worldwide. The investments in product, capability and infrastructure to gain this market position create high barriers to entry.

Rolls-Royce has a broad customer base consisting of more than 500 airlines, 4,000 corporate and utility aircraft and helicopter operators, 160 armed forces and more than 2,000 marine customers, including 50 navies. The company has energy customers in nearly 120 countries. Rolls-Royce employs around 39,000 people worldwide, including 23,500 in the UK, 5,000 in the rest of Europe and 8,000 in North America.

Most of the engines in service will have operational lives of 25 years or more, generating an assured aftermarket demand for the provision of spare parts and services. The company's strategy is to maximise aftermarket revenues through the development of a comprehensive services capability.

Annual sales total around 6 billion pounds Sterling of which over 40 percent currently comes from aftermarket services. The order book stands at more than 19 billion pounds Sterling, which, together with aftermarket demand, provides visibility as to future activity levels.