Statement re Tony Smurfit appointed as Group CE...

Statement re Tony Smurfit appointed as Group CEO Designate

Smurfit Kappa Group PLC

Tony Smurfit appointed as Group CEO Designate

Gary McGann to retire on 31 August, 2015

SKG.I        SKG.L

Dublin, London | 1 May 2015: Smurfit Kappa Group (’SKG’ or the ‘Group’) one of the world’s largest integrated manufacturers of paper-based packaging products with operations in Europe and the Americas, today announces that Mr Gary McGann, Group Chief Executive Officer (Group CEO) will retire on 31 August, 2015. The Board has appointed Mr Tony Smurfit, President & Chief Operating Officer, as Group CEO Designate to succeed Mr McGann on 1 September, 2015.

Liam O’Mahony, SKG Chairman, commented:

“Gary has led the transformation of Smurfit Kappa since his appointment as Group CEO in 2002. Under his stewardship, the Group has more than doubled in size, consolidated its position as European market leader; increased the Group’s presence in Latin America; and, re-entered the US market. He also led the Group’s return to public markets in 2007 in what was the largest ever capital raising in the sector globally. Gary has been recognised within the industry and by capital markets as the outstanding CEO of our sector. The Board is grateful for his substantial contribution in leading the Group’s growth and development over the last 13 years.

We are extremely pleased to have an experienced executive of Tony Smurfit’s calibre to succeed Gary as CEO. Tony is a respected industry leader and an effective team builder with a strong track record of delivery. As Chief Operating Officer, he has been central to the performance and strategic development of the Group. Both Gary and Tony will continue to work closely together, over the next four months, to ensure a seamless transition to new leadership.”

Tony Smurfit, Group CEO Designate, added:

"I am honoured to accept the trust the Board has placed in me and am committed to building on the team's outstanding contribution under Gary's leadership. We have a clear vision for Smurfit Kappa and a highly regarded, performance-oriented, management team to sustain that vision. Our balance sheet strength and cashflow generation capability will enable us to accelerate our evolution towards an ever more successful, market-led, customer centric packaging company.”

Gary McGann, Group CEO, concluded:

“It has been a privilege to lead Smurfit Kappa Group as CEO. I have been honoured to have the unwavering support of our team of top class professionals. I am confident that this team will sustain our vision as the most respected and differentiated supplier in our chosen markets – consistently delivering industry leading returns. I am proud to have been a part of the Group during this great journey and delighted to hand over to Tony Smurfit to whom I extend my congratulations. I am confident that Tony and the team will drive the performance of the Group to even greater levels of success in the years ahead.”

About Tony Smurfit

Tony Smurfit has served as a Director since 1989 and was appointed Group Chief Operations Officer in November 2002. He has worked in various parts of the Smurfit Kappa Group both in Europe and the United States since he joined the Group. He was Chief Executive of Smurfit Europe from October 1999 to 2002 prior to which he was Deputy Chief Executive of Smurfit Europe and previously Chief Executive Officer of Smurfit France.

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Contacts
Seamus Murphy Smurfit Kappa T: [phone] E: [e-mail] Â	Â	Â	Â	Â	FTI Consulting   T: [phone] E: [e-mail]
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About Smurfit Kappa

Smurfit Kappa is one of the leading providers of paper-based packaging solutions in the world, with around 43,000 employees in approximately 350 production sites across 33 countries and with revenue of €8.1 billion in 2014. We are located in 21 countries in Europe, and 12 in the Americas. We are the only large-scale pan-regional player in Latin America.

With our pro-active team we relentlessly use our extensive experience and expertise, supported by our scale, to open up opportunities for our customers. We collaborate with forward thinking customers by sharing superior product knowledge, market understanding and insights in packaging trends to ensure business success in their markets. We have an unrivalled portfolio of paper-packaging solutions, which is constantly updated with our market-leading innovations. This is enhanced through the benefits of our integration, with optimal paper design, logistics, timeliness of service, and our packaging plants sourcing most of their raw materials from our own paper mills. Our products, which are 100% renewable and produced sustainably, improve the environmental footprint of our customers.

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