15 June 2004

Following the notification, Dr. John Ferrie commented, "I am delighted to learn that I have received the CBE as part of the Queen's Birthday Honours List. It is a distinguished recognition and one that I am proud to receive".

Dr. Ferrie is an executive director, Smiths Group plc with responsibility for Aerospace, a $1.6 billion turnover division employing more than 9,000 employees. Prior to joining Smiths in April 2000, he spent 35 years with Rolls-Royce plc in various senior positions, his last role being VP Operations based in USA. Dr. Ferrie is a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, a Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society and recently completed an Engineering Doctorate at Warwick University.