TNS appoints Donald Brydon as Chairman

He succeeds Tony Cowling, who today retires from the board.

Donald Brydon, 60, is Chairman of Smiths Group plc and The London Metal Exchange and is Senior Independent Director of Scottish Power plc. Following 20 years with Barclays Group, during which time he was Chairman and Chief Executive of BZW Investment Management, he joined AXA Group in 1997 and is currently Chairman of AXA Investment Managers SA.

In the past five years, he has also been Chairman of Amersham plc and Senior Independent Director of Allied Domecq plc.

In October 2005, it was announced that Chief Operating Officer David Lowden would succeed Mike Kirkham as Chief Executive of TNS and he takes on that role from today's date. Mike Kirkham will remain with TNS until October 2006, during which period he will work on specific projects where his experience will be most valuable.

Tony Cowling, former TNS Chairman, said:

'Donald Brydon has had a distinguished career and brings to TNS a wealth of experience from both the commercial and financial sectors. TNS has grown significantly over the past few years and as a global company will benefit from having a Chairman with broad business experience, who has led sizeable international companies.'

'Since joining TNS seven years ago, David Lowden has clearly demonstrated that he has the skills and experience to be Chief Executive. He and Donald will make a good team and I am confident that we have the right people in place to lead the company in the next phase of its development. I am very pleased that they will have the continued support of Mike Kirkham over the next few months. Mike has been an integral part of this business and its successful development for over thirty-five years and, during his period as Chief Executive, the company has further reinforced its position as a world leader in market information.'

Donald Brydon said: 'TNS is an exciting company with many opportunities ahead. I am delighted to be taking on this role and look forward to working with the board and management to deliver value to the group's clients and shareholders. It is a privilege to succeed Tony Cowling, who has meant so much to the company.'

David Lowden said: 'I would like to pay tribute to Tony for his enormous achievements. His wisdom and creative thinking have been at the centre of TNS' development since its foundation over forty years ago. I would also like to acknowledge the outstanding contribution he has made to our industry. I am confident that, with Donald as Chairman, TNS has a very able successor and we will work together to take the company forward.'

There are no disclosures required to be made, pursuant to 9.6.13R of The Listing Rules, other than as stated in this announcement.