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. -0- *T Contacts Information Smurfit Kappa Group +353 1 202 7000 Beech Hill, Clonskeagh Dublin 4, Ireland K Capital Source +353 1 631 5500 Ph +353 1 202 7000 smurfitkappa@kcapitalsource.com ------------------------------- *T
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