Statement re Board Appointment

Smurfit Kappa Group PLC
                  

                    Smurfit Kappa Announces Board Appointment

                        Ms Rosemary Thorne to join Board

                                   SKG.I SKG.L

Dublin, London, 25 March, 2008: Smurfit Kappa Group plc ('SKG' or the 'Group'),
one of the world's largest integrated manufacturers of paper-based packaging
products with operations in Europe and Latin America, is pleased to announce the
appointment of Ms Rosemary Thorne to the Board as an independent, non-executive
Director with effect from 20 March, 2008.

Rosemary Thorne

Ms Thorne has extensive experience as a Finance Director with a range of leading
UK listed public companies. She was most recently Finance Director for Ladbrokes
plc, a leading bookmaker in Ireland and the UK. She was previously Group Finance
Director at Bradford and Bingley plc between 1999 and 2005 and served as Group
Finance Director for J Sainsbury plc between 1992 and 1999.

Ms Thorne has extensive experience as a non-executive Director and currently
serves as the Senior Independent Director with Virgin Radio and as a
Non-Executive Director with Abbey National plc. She was previously a
Non-Executive Director with Cadbury Schweppes plc and Royal Mail plc. Ms Thorne
is Chairperson of the Audit Committee at Abbey National plc and was previously
Chairperson of the Audit Committee at Royal Mail plc.

Mr Sean Fitzpatrick, Chairman of the SKG Board, commented, 'We are delighted to
announce the appointment of Rosemary Thorne to the Smurfit Kappa Group Board.
She provides us with a wealth of financial and public company experience.'

About Smurfit Kappa Group

Smurfit Kappa Group is a world leader in paper-based packaging with operations
in Europe and Latin America.

Smurfit Kappa Group operates in 22 countries in Europe and is the European
leader in containerboard, solid board, corrugated and solid board packaging and
has a key position in several other packaging and paper market segments,
including graphic board, sack paper and paper sacks. Smurfit Kappa Group also
has a growing presence in Eastern Europe. Smurfit Kappa Group operates in 9
countries in Latin America and is the only pan-regional operator.

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Contacts                                                                             Information

Smurfit Kappa Group                               [phone]         Beech Hill, Clonskeagh
                                                                               Dublin 4, Ireland
K Capital Source                                  [phone]             Ph [phone]
                                                                 [e-mail]
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