6 June 2003

Andrew Bonfield appointed a non-executive director of The BOC Group plc.

Andrew Bonfield, senior vice-president and chief financial officer of
Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, is appointed a non-executive director of The BOC
Group plc with effect from 29 July 2003.

Mr Bonfield qualified as a chartered accountant in South Africa, working for
Price Waterhouse, before joining SmithKline Beecham in 1990 and rising to
become chief financial officer. He joined BG Group plc in 2001 as executive
director - finance before assuming his current role at Bristol-Myers Squibb
Company in 2002.

Rob Margetts, chairman of The BOC Group, said: "Andrew's financial experience
and knowledge of international business will be of great benefit to BOC".

There is no information to be disclosed under the requirements of the Listing
Rule 16.4 in relation to this appointment.

Contact:        Christopher Marsay, Director - Investor Relations              
                                                                               
                Tel: 01276 477222 (International +44 1276 477222)              



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